Company / Leadership

ucore

Pat Ryan, P.Eng.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Ryan founded Neocon International in 1993, a leading automotive OEM design and manufacturing firm. He spearheaded its growth, focusing on innovations like light-weighting for fuel efficiency. With over 25 years in the industry, he’s collaborated with giants like Honda and General Motors, earning accolades including Toyota’s Platinum Quality Alliance Award in 2016. His expertise in global supply chains positions him at the forefront of vehicle electrification. Joining Ucore in 2014, he delved into critical metals essential for modern technologies. A frequent speaker and mentor, he holds an Engineering degree from Dalhousie University and has received the APENS Award for ethical service.

Peter Manuel
Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary
Peter Manuel has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ucore for 14 years. Prior to joining the Company, he practiced as a Chartered Accountant for more than 17 years providing consulting services to companies in a range of sectors, with a focus on the financial services and resource sectors. He spent 10 years in England and The Republic of Ireland providing assurance, strategic planning, corporate finance and other consulting services to a portfolio of both public and private entities including licensed banks, proprietary trading operations, and international corporate treasuries. Mr. Manuel holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Dalhousie University.

Michael Schrider, MEng, P.E.
Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Schrider has more than 35 years of experience in executive leadership, engineering, manufacturing operations, and complex project execution. Since 2016, he has led Ucore’s project execution activities, providing strategic oversight and technical leadership in support of the company’s critical minerals initiatives. Mike previously founded and led engineering firms SAi and ABD for more than 17 years and has held operational roles in North American shipyards and lubricant manufacturing. His qualifications include extensive experience in industrial project development, engineering management, manufacturing operations, and mineral processing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans, a Master of Engineering in Mining Engineering with an emphasis in mineral processing from The University of Arizona, and registration as a professional engineer in Louisiana.

Geoff Atkins
Ucore Vice President of Business Development
Mr. Atkins, with 30 years in mining, including 15 in the critical mineral sector, is Ucore’s new Vice President of Business Development. He’s been pivotal in establishing two rare earth operations: Mt. Weld with Lynas and Nechalacho with Vital Metals. At Lynas, he oversaw the Mt. Weld project and strategic planning. Leveraging his expertise in project delivery and strategy, he founded Cheetah Resources, later acquired by Vital Metals. He’ll strategize for Ucore, ensuring diverse supply sources with minimized risks. Notably, he brought the Nechalacho project to operation in 2 years, a significant feat compared to the usual 10-year timeline. His accomplishments make him ideal to spearhead Ucore’s feedstock acquisition.

Jaan Hurditch, CEng
Ucore Engineering Director
Mr. Hurditch, now Engineering Director at Ucore, previously worked with its subsidiary IMC for over two years, leading the RapidSX™ platform’s development. This platform is currently being tested in Ontario and will be deployed in Louisiana. Holding a Bachelor’s from Queensland University in Australia, he boasts 18 years of experience across continents. Hurditch excels in both management and technical innovation, skilled in team building, 3D design, and rapid prototyping technologies.

Mark MacDonald
Vice-President of Investor Relations
Mr. MacDonald has over 25 years experience implementing award winning business development and marketing programs at a regional and national level. As Vice President of Sales, Mr. MacDonald was responsible for Mediapro Communication’s growth as AT&T Canada’s leading Canadian Business to Business sales partner. Mr. MacDonald subsequently took over all responsibilities of the Atlantic Regional Vice President of AT&T Canada Corp. As VP of Operations for Premier Executive Suites Mr. MacDonald consolidated four business units into one regional operation that was awarded Atlantic Canada’s, “Best Places to Work” in 2009/10/11. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University.

Dr. Ahmad Hussein
Head of External Affairs
Dr. Ahmad Hussein has a distinguished record of innovation, scale-up leadership, and strategic execution across multiple high-impact industries. He has played pivotal roles in organizations that collectively achieved over $1 billion in enterprise value, spanning pharmaceuticals, healthcare, SaaS security services, and green energy.

Dr. Hussein is a partner at Dentalcorp, Canada’s largest dental services organization, which operates over 600 clinics, employs more than 10,000 people, and serves over five million patients annually.

Previously, he founded Nile Fiber Atlantic Canada, where he pioneered renewable feedstocks for the fiber industry. In less than one year, he secured a landmark contract with the European Union, established partnerships with six leading universities, and received an invitation to join a center of excellence. Earlier in his career, he contributed to the development of the H1N1 vaccine at IMV and supported the company’s successful listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange and subsequently NASDAQ.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dr. Hussein serves as an active board member and advisor to privately held companies and charitable organizations. Recognized in 2020 as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Immigrants, he is widely respected for his commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community leadership.

Dr. Hussein brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial execution, capital markets experience, and senior-level government relationships in both Canada and the United States—making him a valuable addition to the Company’s leadership team.

Company / Leadership

MENU

Leadership Team

Subscribe for latest updates & insights

Recent News

Presentation