Ben joined Ferrier Hodgson in 2000 having spent six years at Zolfo Cooper in London (Ferrier Hodgson’s UK/US affiliate). Throughout his career, he has developed specialist skills in the resources and property industries. He has extensive experience in operations and project management, treasury, management reporting, business improvement and corporate change.
Freehold Property
Since its closure in 2003, Ben has managed the A$750m remediation, redevelopment (including re-zoning, subdivision and master planning) and land / real property sales at the 200 hectare former lead-zinc smelter site at Cockle Creek in New South Wales. The site is State Significant and the subject of a Remediation Order issued by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
This unique “cradle to grave” assignment involves the appointment and management of site staff, in excess of 40 different consultant companies ranging from technical remediation advisors through to developers and marketing agents, and liaison and negotiation with various stakeholders with often conflicting interests (including New South Wales State Government Agencies, Local Council and neighbouring land owners).
The knowledge and experience gained on this project has been key to Ferrier Hodgson’s appointment on a number of other significant property assignments.
Resources
Ben recently assisted an ASX 50 mining company in renegotiating its debt book and restructuring its asset portfolio. In CY 2008 he also assisted Zinifex in the evaluation of M&A opportunities, takeover defence preparation, drafting the Scheme Booklet in relation to the A$12 billion merger with Oxiana to form OZ Minerals and in project managing the integration process. Assisted drafting and reviewing the Prospectus for the successful EUR3 billion float of Nyrstar on the Belgian stock exchange in Q4 2007. Further experience has been gained from deep involvement in management of the high-profile administrations of Pasminco and Sons of Gwalia. These included an interim general manager role at the Southern Cross gold operations and head office commercial manager roles.
Ben has also managed and negotiated the sale / divestment of significant mining operations in Australia and the United States and the implementation of transitional arrangements to effect the Initial Public Offering of Zinifex on the ASX.