Sean O'Connor was elected as a Director in 2002. Mr. O Connor was named Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors in December 2024. He joined the Company in October 2002 as Chief Executive Officer and held that position until December 2024. Mr. O Connor was appointed as President in October 2015 and held that position until December 2024. From 1994 until 2002, Mr. O'Connor was Chief Executive Officer of Standard New York Securities, a division of Standard Bank. From 1999 until 2002, Mr. O'Connor also served as Executive Director of Standard Bank London, Ltd., a United Kingdom bank and subsidiary of the Standard Bank of South Africa. The Board believes that Mr. O'Connor's strong leadership skills, extensive financial experience, and knowledge of the Company, its products and services are valuable to the Board. In 2002, Mr. O'Connor made a significant equity investment in the Company and since that time has led the Company and guided its successful strategy and growth. In addition to his other skills and qualifications, Mr. O'Connor's prior positions as Chief Executive Officer and President have served as a valuable link between the management and vision of the Company and the Board of Directors, allowing the Board to perform its oversight role with the benefit of management's perspective on business, strategy and opportunities. Mr. O Connor s current focus on longer-term strategy, capital allocation and merger & acquisition activity will continue to provide a valuable link between the management and vision of the Company and the Board of Directors.