Mr. Isto has over 40 years of experience in mining engineering, mine management, and project development in the U.S. and globally. Mr. Isto served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2020 until his retirement in September 2023, after which he served as a consultant to the Company through May 2025. Previously, he served as our Vice President, Operations from June 2016 to January 2020 and Executive Director, Project Evaluation from 2015 to June 2016. Prior to joining Royal Gold, Mr. Isto served as Vice President, Operations for First Nickel Inc. from 2012 to 2014 and served in Vice President and Senior Vice President roles in the Projects Group at Kinross Gold Corp. from 2006 to 2012. Mr. Isto also served as Mine General Manager of Golden Sunlight Mines, Inc. (Placer Dome America) from 2004 to 2006 and previously held numerous other management positions in Placer Dome s global operations, including Chief Engineer, Mine Superintendent, Project Director, and Senior Advisor over nearly 25 years with Placer Dome. Mr. Isto has developed an exceptional depth of technical knowledge and operational expertise over a long career in the mining industry, including extensive international experience on-site in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea. Mr. Isto s technical and operational skills, combined with his knowledge of the Company s assets and operations, allow Mr. Isto to bring an important perspective to the Board.