TEAM
Ben Smit, (FInstLM, DBA)
Group Chief Executive Officer
Ben Smit is a mining entrepreneur and project developer with over 35 years of experience across the natural resources, healthcare, and biotech sectors. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from EIMT and an MBA from the University of Liverpool, and is a Lifetime Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Ben has played a pivotal role in the founding, early development, and management of numerous international companies, combining expertise in corporate governance, project development, and capital markets. His leadership experience includes serving as Chairman, CEO, Non-Executive Director, and senior executive for private and publicly listed firms on exchanges in Canada and the UK.
Currently, Ben leads Sutton Global as Group CEO, driving the company’s strategic vision and operations. He has previously held senior positions at Odyssey Property Advisors and Sutton Consulting International, specializing in technical services for the mining industry. His career reflects a strong record of corporate growth, governance, and cross-sector leadership in high-growth markets worldwide.
Hugh Grenfal
Chairman of the Board and Director
Hugh Grenfal brings over 38 years of experience in the energy and natural resources sectors, having worked extensively with both public and private resource-based companies. Beginning his career with Grenfal Explorations Ltd. in 1987, he served as Director and President of several junior mining and exploration firms throughout the 1990s, providing geological and operational expertise across Canada and internationally.
Hugh spent 13 years in Zurich with a boutique asset management firm, where he provided advisory services and confidential analysis on oil, gas, and mineral exploration projects to private and institutional clients. He later founded Peloton AG Switzerland to expand into mining and oil & gas project development.
He has also held multiple executive and directorship positions, including CEO and Director roles with the Delonex group of companies and currently serves as Director & President of Gib Cap Group Inc. Hugh’s deep industry insight, strategic leadership, and global perspective continue to guide the board’s direction and growth.
Mark Austin
Chief Operating Officer
Mark Austin is a seasoned geologist with over 30 years of experience in mining and exploration, primarily focused on precious metals. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology from the University of Liverpool and is a registered Natural Scientist (SACNASP) and Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa.
Mark spent 16 years in South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin, holding senior roles including Chief Geologist and Planning Manager at Consolidated Modderfontein Mines, Chief Geologist at Western Areas Gold Mine, and Consulting Geologist for JCI’s Gold Division. He has also led exploration projects across Africa as Vice President Exploration for Mano River Resources, Senior Geologist for Placer Dome, Group Geologist for Goldplat Plc, and CEO of Kilimapesa Gold Mine in Kenya.
Currently serving on the Samrec and Samval Steering Committees, Mark continues to contribute to the advancement of geological best practices and operational excellence in mining.
Andrey Tolochenko
Chief Finacial Officer
Andrey Tolochenko is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience in finance, investment banking, and corporate management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Finance and has a proven track record in structuring and managing complex transactions across global markets.
Andrey has served as an Investment Officer for a major private fund and family office, overseeing acquisitions and development projects in oil, gas, and mining across Canada, Australia, Africa, and Asia. He also managed hedge fund portfolios focused on greenfield and brownfield metals and energy ventures, with assets under management exceeding US$100 million.
His diverse financial background and strategic insight underpin his leadership as CFO, where he oversees capital management, risk control, and fiscal strategy to support Sutton Global’s continued growth and investment success.
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