Who we are
Our leadership team

Mark Norwell
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
Mark was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Perenti in September 2018. Mark has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry throughout Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Americas.
Full profile
Prior to joining Perenti Mark held several executive roles with Thiess and Leighton Contractors, as well as various operational leadership positions with Henry Walker Eltin and Macmahon.
His expertise spans underground, open cut and process engineering operations across a variety of commodities including iron ore, gold, copper, diamonds, nickel and oil sands.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree (honours) from the University of Western Australia and an Executive MBA from the University of New South Wales (AGSM).
Mark’s strategy and growth expertise coupled with his operational experience have fostered a strong understanding of the success factors that drive business performance in the mining industry.

Michael Ellis
Chief Financial Officer
Michael was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Perenti in September 2024. He previously served as Vice President Finance for Perenti’s Contract Mining division and has been in various roles within the group for over 10 years.
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He has extensive financial and commercial experience spanning more than 20 years across Australia, Africa, Asia and North America.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Western Australia and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Gabrielle Iwanow
President Contract Mining
As a leader, Gabrielle has become known for progressive change and growth. Working at OZ Minerals, she developed pathways to double the size of the Prominent Hill copper-gold mine, growing it into one of the largest underground hard rock operations in Australia.
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Prior to joining Perenti, Gabrielle was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASX-300 listed nickel producer, Mincor Resources, where she led the response to the on-market A$760m takeover of the company by Wyloo Metals.
In 2020, she was recognised with the Telstra Businesswomen’s Award for Medium & Large Business in South Australia and included as one of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.
Gabrielle is passionate about developing innovative and inclusive workplaces that evolve industry thinking. She is fluent in Spanish (and English) having lived and studied in Argentina. Gabrielle is an avid supporter of the arts and charity.

Ben Davis
President Drilling Services
Ben was appointed President of Perenti’s Drilling Services division in December 2024 following executive roles as Perenti’s President of Mining Services and our Chief People & Sustainability Officer.
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He has more than 25 years of experience as a leader, predominantly in the energy and mining industries across Australia, North and West Africa, and North America.
Ben’s expertise includes strategic planning, governance, leadership development, mergers and acquisitions, P&L management and advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
He holds a Bachelor of Business (Double Major in Human Resources and Sport Management) from Edith Cowan University, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership from Rice University, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Additionally, he is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ben’s leadership is marked by a deep understanding of cultural nuances, successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams and businesses across regions, enhancing organisational performance and shaping people and sustainability strategies.

Raj Ratneser
President Mining Services
Raj is a senior executive and qualified lawyer with more than 30 years’ national and international experience across legal, commercial, governance, risk and internal audit primarily in the resources, engineering and construction industries.
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Raj has served in a number of senior leadership and executive roles for a variety of businesses and his experience spans Australia, Africa, UK and North America. Raj holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees from Murdoch University.

Paul Muller
Chief Corporate Services Officer
Paul has more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, working for both mining services providers and mine owners in Australia, Asia and Africa.
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Prior to joining Barminco, Paul held executive and senior leadership roles at mining and civil construction companies in Australia, Asia and Africa.
Paul is currently Chief Corporate Services Officer for Perenti. Prior to this he was the President of Perenti’s Contract Mining Division.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Harvard Business School.

Cameron Bailey
Chief Strategy Officer
Cameron is a business and corporate development executive with more than 30 years’ experience in mining, construction and the heavy industry environment.
Full profile
His expertise includes leading strategic and business development processes and initiatives, business planning, strategic and client relationships, ‘work winning’ activities and bid preparation combined with an underlying commitment to deliver sustainable and profitable revenue growth.
Cameron has held leadership and executive roles at a number of businesses and holds a Masters in Commerce and a Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of NSW.