Mr Hayes was previously the Chief Operating Officer and an Executive Director of AGR Matthey from October 2002 to March 2003. Prior to that he was Director, Finance and Deputy Managing Director of AGR Joint Venture, from December 1998 to October 2002. Before that he was Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Golden West Refining Corporation Ltd controlled by N M Rothschild & Sons Ltd. In December 1998 Golden West merged with Gold Corporation's refining and jewellery manufacturing business to become the AGR Joint Venture. Richard emigrated to Australia from Zimbabwe in 1987 and held number of management roles with Boral Ltd prior to joining Golden West.