NEW YORK, 15 March 2008 — Greg Wilkins, president and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, is named chairman of the World Gold Council (WGC). He succeeds Pierre Lassonde with immediate effect. WGC is an organization funded by gold mining companies aimed at promoting the demand for gold.
Wilkins said: “This is an exciting time for the gold industry and I feel honored to be given the opportunity to play a part in driving the WGC’s mandate to develop sustainable demand for gold. The WGC has enjoyed many successes in recent years, not least the introduction of exchange traded gold and the rejuvenation of the gold jewelry market in key geographies. I very much look forward to picking up the baton and working with the WGC’s talented team.”
Pierre Lassonde was elected chairman of the WGC in March 2005. During his time as chairman, Pierre has played a pivotal role in increasing the WGC membership base, which now represents 23 companies and more than 60 percent of obtainable global gold production. Pierre has also been instrumental in rolling out gold-backed, exchange-traded funds across Europe and Asia.
