Richard succeeds Nigel Ward who retired from the Nickel Institute on 31 December 2017. In his new role, Matheson will continue to develop the markets for nickel and takes over as the global lead for the Nickel Institute’s Market Development team. He is also now a member of the Nickel Institute’s Management Committee.

“Under Nigel’s leadership, the Nickel Institute has developed a focused, targeted and effective approach to its Market Development activities for nickel. Nigel and Richard have been working together closely over the past year, as part of the Nickel Institute’s continuity succession plan,” said David Butler, President, Nickel Institute. “Richard brings to his new role extensive knowledge of nickel and its end uses and experience in developing markets for nickel-containing products in a range of sectors.”

Matheson was previously Deputy Director, Market Development & General Manager, Asia, for the Nickel Institute. He has worked in the nickel and stainless steel industries since 1987, when he began his career with Queensland Nickel. In 1992, he joined the newly-established Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) where he was Executive Director until 2017. In parallel, Richard Matheson has represented the Nickel Institute since 2007.

Nigel Ward will continue to support the work of the Nickel Institute in an advisory role over the next months.