Mining Veteran Kevin Thomson Joins KEWA Board in Strategic Deepening of Resource Sector Focus

FRANKLIN, Tenn. and TORONTO – February 17, 2026 – KEWA Financial Inc., a specialized provider of financial and insurance services, has appointed former global mining executive Kevin Thomson to its board of directors. The move is a significant strategic maneuver, signaling the firm's deepening commitment to the natural resources and energy sectors at a time of heightened global demand and regulatory complexity.

Thomson, who until 2025 served as the Senior Executive Vice President of Strategic Matters for mining giant Barrick Gold, brings decades of high-level experience in corporate strategy, governance, and complex mergers and acquisitions. His appointment fortifies KEWA's leadership as it expands its footprint, most notably through its insurance subsidiary's recent entry into the Canadian market.

KEWA operates in a critical niche, providing capital and insurance solutions that enable resource companies to move forward with essential projects. The addition of Thomson, a respected figure with a deep understanding of the mining industry's operational and financial intricacies, underscores the firm's strategy of embedding industry-specific expertise directly into its governance structure.

A Play for Unmatched Expertise

Kevin Thomson's career places him at the nexus of some of the most significant transactions and strategic decisions in the modern mining industry. Before his executive role at Barrick Gold, where he was a key architect of corporate strategy since 2014, Thomson was a senior partner at the prestigious Canadian law firm Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP. There, he established himself as one of Canada's foremost M&A lawyers, advising major public companies for over four decades.

His long history with Barrick, where he acted as a key strategic advisor for nearly two decades before formally joining the executive team, provides him with an unparalleled perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing major resource companies. This experience is precisely what KEWA aims to leverage.

"We are fortunate to benefit from Kevin's decades of experience supporting some of the most significant transactions in the mining industry," said David Wiley, founder and Executive Chairman of KEWA. "As demand for energy and minerals continues to increase, resource companies are playing an increasingly significant role in the economy and global markets. KEWA's continuing to support these businesses and our work will be greatly enhanced by Kevin's contributions."

Thomson's appointment is not just about his past accomplishments but also his current influence. He serves on the boards of Solaris Resources Inc. and, as of January 2026, OR Royalties Inc., demonstrating his continued engagement at the highest levels of the resource sector. This network and his current market knowledge provide KEWA with real-time strategic insight.

Powering Projects Through Financial Assurance

A key aspect of KEWA's business model, and an area where Thomson's expertise is particularly relevant, is the provision of financial assurance for regulatory compliance. The company specializes in the insurance and capital solutions that underpin approvals for projects, particularly in meeting reclamation financial assurance requirements. This is an often-overlooked but non-negotiable component of modern resource extraction.

Across North America, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Canadian provincial ministries, regulators require mining and energy companies to post substantial financial guarantees. These bonds or insurance policies ensure that funds are available for the environmental cleanup and remediation of a site once operations cease, protecting taxpayers from bearing the cost of abandoned projects.

This regulatory necessity creates a significant market for specialized financial products. KEWA, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Indemnity National Insurance Company (INIC), which holds an 'A' (Excellent) rating from AM Best, is positioned to meet this demand. By combining deep underwriting capabilities with operational knowledge, the firm can offer tailored solutions that are often more suitable than generic products from larger, less specialized institutions.

"Having spent a large portion of my career in mining, I recognize how important it is for resource companies to have a reliable financial services partner," Mr. Thomson stated. "By combining insurance underwriting expertise with operational experience, KEWA provides a vital service ensuring natural resources and energy companies can meet their regulatory obligations while maintaining the confidence of the communities where they operate."

A Calculated Expansion into Canada

The timing of Thomson's appointment is inextricably linked to KEWA's strategic expansion north of the border. In December 2025, INIC received approval from Canada's Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to establish a Canadian branch. This move opens up one of the world's largest and most active natural resource markets to the company.

Bringing Thomson—a veteran of the Canadian corporate and legal world—onto the board just two months later is a clear signal of intent. His intimate knowledge of the Canadian business landscape, regulatory environment, and key industry players provides KEWA with a powerful advantage as it builds its presence. His background at Toronto-based Davies Ward and his leadership role at Barrick, a company with deep Canadian roots, makes him an ideal guide for this expansion.

Canada's vast mining and energy sectors present a substantial opportunity for KEWA's specialized financial assurance products. As the country balances resource development with stringent environmental standards, the demand for reliable and expert-driven insurance and capital partners is set to grow. Thomson's presence on the board, alongside other distinguished members like Admiral Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and the Hon. Rod Phillips, lends significant credibility and strategic direction to this North American growth strategy.

Navigating a Shifting Global Landscape

Thomson joins KEWA at a pivotal moment for the global resource industry. The worldwide push for energy transition is creating unprecedented demand for critical minerals like copper, lithium, and nickel, which are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy infrastructure. Simultaneously, investors and regulators are placing greater emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, demanding more transparency and accountability from resource companies.

This new paradigm increases both the opportunity and the complexity for the sector. Projects are under greater scrutiny, and the financial and regulatory hurdles are higher than ever. In this environment, the role of a specialized financial partner that understands the multifaceted risks—from geological to political to environmental—becomes indispensable.

KEWA's strategic focus, reinforced by the addition of Kevin Thomson, is a direct response to these trends. By building a governance team with deep, hands-on industry experience, the firm is positioning itself not just as a capital provider, but as a strategic enabler for the resource companies powering the global economy. This alignment of expertise and market opportunity prepares the firm to play a pivotal role in financing the next generation of essential resource projects across North America.