Board of Directors
Carl Popal
Director
Carl Popal (B. Bus) is the founder of PerthMining, as Chairman oversees the strategic vision of the enterprise being an online marketplace for mining companies globally, regardless of size.Mr Popal is also the Chairman of Eclipse Metals Ltd ASX (EPM) and Managing Director of Ghan Resources Pty Ltd to name some and has held board positions on several other ASX listed and unlisted companies. As an Entrepreneur Carl, is well versed in Perth Mining community and brings a wealth of corporate industry knowledge in fulfilling information asymmetry needed to provide a confident and secure online mining industry experience via Perth Mining.
Since 2001, Mr Popal has managed several entities conducting international trading in various commodities. He has over 12 years’ experience in business and property development and has managed various commercial dealings within a network of companies in various countries around the world including India, China and Malaysia
Bernard Chia
Director
In 2008, Bernie (B. Eng) founded Alyka, an agency specialising in digital marketing and web development.
In just a few years, he transformed the business from a small start-up to an industry-leading firm with 25 digital experts and a 95% client retention rate.
Since discovering his passion for technology at 14 years old, Bernie has worked for web development agencies and now specialises in online marketing and social media strategies, search engine optimisation, website navigation and content optimisation.
As Managing Director, he brings more than 16 years’ experience to the business, and is widely regarded as a thought leader in digital strategy and technical innovation.
In 2014, Alyka was the only Western Australian digital marketing company to be listed in the BRW Fast 100 acknowledging the company’s average growth of 81% for each of the past five years. Bernie won a 40Under40 award in the same year, recognising his entrepreneurial skills and business success.
Under Bernie’s direction, Alyka also conducts pro-bono work with charitable and not-for-profit organisations such as the Samaritans Crisis Line and YMCA providing them with an opportunity to be seen and heard in the digital space.
Bernie holds a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Information Technology from the University of Western Australia.
Thushara Weerakody
Director
Thushara (B. Sc, B. Bus) is a Technology and Innovation Expert with over 25 years Software and Technology expertise.
Thushara is able to offer a blend of strategic, analytical and technical experience to achieve business results with information systems and technology. He is a creative and innovative thinker, with excellent communication skills bringing energy, enthusiasm and leadership.
Throughout his career he has worked in Resources, Health, Agribusiness, Finance industries and Government, working successfully across Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa.
He has held senior Information Technology and Strategy positions in multi-national and large local organisations.
As the Managing Director of Lateral he leads a highly skilled team of professionals delivering solutions with advanced mobile, cloud and development technologies.