Golden Minerals names David Watkins CEO, adds two senior consultants

Golden Minerals Company has appointed David Watkins as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. The Denver-based precious metals explorer also named Keith Laskowski as Executive Vice President of Exploration and Barbara Henderson as Corporate Secretary, both hired on a consulting basis. These changes follow the resignation of former CEO Pablo Castanos, who stepped down from his roles as President and Director on September 30, 2026.

Jeffrey Clevenger, Chairman of the Board, thanked Castanos for his service and noted his contributions to the company's financial position. Clevenger stated that the new leadership team brings specific expertise to support the company's future direction. He highlighted Watkins' hands-on experience from previous senior executive roles across exploration and mining firms. According to the chairman, Laskowski's global field experience will guide project strategy, while Henderson's background in governance and communications will aid in regulatory and strategic planning.

Laskowski is an Economic and Mining Geologist with more than 45 years of experience in exploration, mining, and financial analysis. He is the owner of Yellowstone Geological Services LLC. Since 2012, he has focused on evaluating investment and financing opportunities for Sandstorm Gold Royalties, now part of Royal Gold, and the International Finance Corporation, a part of the World Bank. His earlier career included senior executive positions at Gallant Minerals Ltd, Estrella Gold Corp, Northern Canadian Uranium Corp, and Solomon Gold Corp. Laskowski also directed exploration for Eurasian Minerals in Haiti and began his career with 17 years at Newmont Mining Corp. He holds a Master of Science in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines and has been a registered Qualified Person with the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America since 2006.

Henderson brings 35 years of public company experience in mining governance and communications. She has established corporate governance frameworks and contributed to strategic planning for mineral exploration and development companies. Henderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo and a Master of Science in Economic Geology from the University of Alberta. She is a long-standing member of the Canadian Investor Relations Institute and a registered Professional Geologist.

Golden Minerals holds a 67% majority control in the Desierto 1 & 2 concessions and a 51% joint venture interest in the Sarita Este concession in northwest Salta Province, Argentina. These assets are adjacent to the Taca Taca project owned by First Quantum Minerals. The company also holds a 60% interest in Sand Canyon, an exploration-stage gold-silver project in northwestern Nevada. The company's press release notes that statements regarding the expected contributions of the new management are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties.