Murchison Metals Ltd (ASX:MMX) has appointed Wayne Zekulich as chief financial officer of Oakajee Port & Rail (OPR), developer of port and rail infrastructure for the mining industry in Western Australia’s mid-west. OPR is jointly owned by Murchison and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd.

Mr Zekulich previously worked with Commonwealth Bank as executive vice president WA, SA and NT– Institutional Bank and Markets. His appointment is effective 14 February 2011.

He will be responsible for the financial management of the development of port and rail infrastructure, including overseeing the finalisation of banking facilities that will underpin the project.

Murchison said Mr Zekulich has extensive experience in financing and capital markets, covering advice on mergers and acquisitions, arranging and underwriting funding for greenfield project financings, privatisations and major acquisitions.

Before joining Commonwealth Bank in 2006, he was head of the Perth office of NM Rothschild & Sons for four years. Prior to Rothschild, he was at Deutsche Bank for five years as a director and
head of Perth with responsibilities for origination and execution.

Murchison Executive Chairman Paul Kopejtka said Mr Zekulich’s appointment represented a major boost to the OPR executive team as the port and rail project moves towards the funding and construction stages.

“Wayne brings to OPR a wealth of experience and proven track record in areas that are key to OPR’s success in the months and years ahead,” said Mr Kopejtka.

“We believe Wayne will make a great contribution to the development of OPR’s projects and we look forward to a long and rewarding association.”