Key points
- American Ocean Minerals has appointed Paul Warme as Chief Financial Officer.
- Warme brings more than 25 years in global mining and industrial finance, most recently as General Manager at BlueScope Steel.
- He previously served as VP Finance and CFO for North America at Iluka Resources, CFO at Kagara, and spent over 14 years at Rio Tinto.
- The appointment comes as AOMC advances its announced merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration (Nasdaq: OMEX).
Seasoned mining and industrial executive brings more than 25 years of global finance, operations, and strategic leadership experience
TAMPA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American Ocean Minerals Corporation (“AOMC” or the “Company”) today announced that Paul Warmé has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Through its previously announced merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration (NASDAQ: OMEX), AOMC is establishing a U.S.-based global supply chain for critical minerals and rare earth elements sourced from deep-sea polymetallic nodules, and Warmé’s appointment further strengthens the executive leadership team as the Company advances that mission.
“As we prepare for our next chapter of growth, strengthening the company’s dynamic finance organization is a critical priority,” said Mark Justh, Chief Executive Officer of AOMC. “Paul brings the operational discipline, financial rigor and strategic perspective needed to support our growth while maintaining the flexibility our business model demands. His appointment further enhances our credibility with investors, strategic partners and other stakeholders as we continue to build a leading critical minerals platform.”
Warmé brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, capital allocation, strategic planning, operational transformation and business development in the global mining and industrial sectors. Most recently, he served as General Manager at BlueScope Steel, where he led strategic initiatives to improve operational performance and enhance the company’s long-term returns. He also previously served as Vice President of Finance and CFO for North America at Iluka Resources, where he directed financial strategy and capital evaluation for the company’s North American mineral sands business, and before that, as CFO at Kagara. The foundation of his career was established at Rio Tinto, where he spent over 14 years in progressively senior roles across finance, commercial strategy and marketing, and advised on major capital investments and strategic decisions in global mining operations, as well as helping to lead the divestment program following the acquisition of Alcan.
“Assembling the right leadership team is of the utmost importance for AOMC as we continue advancing our mission,” said Tom Albanese, Chairman of AOMC. “Having worked with Paul at Rio Tinto, I know firsthand the depth of his leadership in evaluating large-scale capital investments, credibly engaging with public company shareholders, leading global finance organizations and driving operational excellence.”
“American Ocean Minerals has a compelling opportunity to strengthen America’s critical minerals supply chain through innovative technology and responsible resource development,” said Warmé. “I am excited to join the Company at such an important stage in its evolution and look forward to working alongside the leadership team to execute our strategic vision and create long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.”
About American Ocean Minerals Corporation
American Ocean Minerals Corporation is establishing a U.S.-based global supply chain for critical minerals and rare earth elements sourced from polymetallic nodules. AOMC is being built as a platform company focused on responsible deep-sea exploration, environmental science, harvesting technology, logistics, processing, and commercialization across multiple regulatory pathways, including the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone and U.S.-regulated international waters under DSHMRA. Upon completion of its proposed merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., the combined company is expected to operate as American Ocean Minerals Corporation and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “AOMC,” subject to stockholder approvals, regulatory approvals, Nasdaq approval, and other customary closing conditions.
About Odyssey Marine Exploration
Odyssey is an ocean exploration and marine resource development leader with more than 30 years of experience operating in complex offshore environments worldwide.
Offering comprehensive research, marine operations, and regulatory compliance support, Odyssey works with governments and seafloor rights holders worldwide. Odyssey develops its projects in collaboration with a global network of partners, academics, and industry professionals who share its commitment to environmentally sound solutions for obtaining minerals that address present and future global challenges. Learn more at www.odysseymarine.com.
