Fittingly, connections with people have always played an important part in Paul Schmidt’s career trajectory. He got his start in mining after a chance meeting in a hallway at Deloitte—he ran into a former colleague who’d moved to the industry, and she invited him to join her. So began 15 years in mining, in various Human Resources leadership roles for companies like Gold Fields, Yanacocha (Newmont), Tintaya-Antapaccay (Glencore), and Torex Gold Resources. And it was his deep connection with Orla’s core principles and leadership approach that led him to join the company to spearhead the company’s HR function. Strong ties and fulfilling experiences aren’t just part of Paul’s HR philosophy; they’re also integral to his personal life. In addition to his EMBA from Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University), Paul is most proud of his family, and their dedication to travelling together. For Paul, it’s not just about the places he visits with his wife and three children, it’s about the bonds they’re building, the knowledge they’re gaining, and the memories they’re making.
