15.12.2008

Finning appoints new CFO

Finning International, Cat dealer and owner of Hewden, the UK crane access and equipment rental company, has appointed David S. Smith as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective February 2, 2009.

Smith has been chief financial officer of Ballard Power Systems since December 2002 with responsibility for external financial reporting, taxation, treasury, strategic planning, risk management, public and investor relations and information technology.
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David S. Smith

Prior to joining Ballard, he spent 16 years with Placer Dome in various senior positions, including vice president, corporate relations, vice president, business development, and as regional vice president and chief financial officer in the United States, Chile, and Canada.

Smith was also with Price Waterhouse for four years in the United States and is a Certified Public Accountant.

"We are very pleased to appoint David as chief financial officer," said Mike Waites, president and chief executive of Finning. "David's background is an excellent fit with Finning's business. He is currently a CFO with a broad range of responsibilities and considerable experience in the capital markets. In addition, he has an extensive background in various senior management roles in the mining industry and has lived and worked in Chile. His considerable experience in the mining industry will provide an added benefit for us."

Doug Whitehead Finning’s chairman is also a member of the Ballard board and thus will know Smith and his abilities.