American Ocean Minerals Corporation (“AOMC” or the “Company”) today announced that Paul Warmé has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Through its previously announced merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration (NASDAQ: OMEX), AOMC is establishing a U.S.-based global supply chain for critical minerals and rare earth elements sourced from deep-sea polymetallic nodules, and Warmé’s appointment further strengthens the executive leadership team as the Company advances that mission.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260811905294/en/

American Ocean Minerals Appoints Paul Warmé as Chief Financial Officer

American Ocean Minerals Appoints Paul Warmé as Chief Financial Officer

“As we prepare for our next chapter of growth, strengthening the company’s dynamic finance organization is a critical priority,” said Mark Justh, Chief Executive Officer of AOMC. “Paul brings the operational discipline, financial rigor and strategic perspective needed to support our growth while maintaining the flexibility our business model demands. His appointment further enhances our credibility with investors, strategic partners and other stakeholders as we continue to build a leading critical minerals platform.”

Warmé brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, capital allocation, strategic planning, operational transformation and business development in the global mining and industrial sectors. Most recently, he served as General Manager at BlueScope Steel, where he led strategic initiatives to improve operational performance and enhance the company’s long-term returns. He also previously served as Vice President of Finance and CFO for North America at Iluka Resources, where he directed financial strategy and capital evaluation for the company’s North American mineral sands business, and before that, as CFO at Kagara. The foundation of his career was established at Rio Tinto, where he spent over 14 years in progressively senior roles across finance, commercial strategy and marketing, and advised on major capital investments and strategic decisions in global mining operations, as well as helping to lead the divestment program following the acquisition of Alcan.

“Assembling the right leadership team is of the utmost importance for AOMC as we continue advancing our mission,” said Tom Albanese, Chairman of AOMC. “Having worked with Paul at Rio Tinto, I know firsthand the depth of his leadership in evaluating large-scale capital investments, credibly engaging with public company shareholders, leading global finance organizations and driving operational excellence.”

“American Ocean Minerals has a compelling opportunity to strengthen America’s critical minerals supply chain through innovative technology and responsible resource development,” said Warmé. “I am excited to join the Company at such an important stage in its evolution and look forward to working alongside the leadership team to execute our strategic vision and create long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.”

About American Ocean Minerals Corporation

American Ocean Minerals Corporation is establishing a U.S.-based global supply chain for critical minerals and rare earth elements sourced from polymetallic nodules. AOMC is being built as a platform company focused on responsible deep-sea exploration, environmental science, harvesting technology, logistics, processing, and commercialization across multiple regulatory pathways, including the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone and U.S.-regulated international waters under DSHMRA. Upon completion of its proposed merger with Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., the combined company is expected to operate as American Ocean Minerals Corporation and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “AOMC,” subject to stockholder approvals, regulatory approvals, Nasdaq approval, and other customary closing conditions.

About Odyssey Marine Exploration

Odyssey is an ocean exploration and marine resource development leader with more than 30 years of experience operating in complex offshore environments worldwide.

Offering comprehensive research, marine operations, and regulatory compliance support, Odyssey works with governments and seafloor rights holders worldwide. Odyssey develops its projects in collaboration with a global network of partners, academics, and industry professionals who share its commitment to environmentally sound solutions for obtaining minerals that address present and future global challenges. Learn more at www.odysseymarine.com.

Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed merger Transaction between Odyssey and AOM, Odyssey has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4, which includes a document that serves as a prospectus and proxy statement of Odyssey (the “proxy statement/prospectus”), and Odyssey will file other documents regarding the proposed Transaction with the SEC. No offering of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE OR AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to Odyssey’s stockholders. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these documents free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

In addition, investors and stockholders should note that Odyssey communicates with investors and the public using its website, www.odysseymarine.com, and the investor relations website, https://ir.odysseymarine.com, where anyone will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Odyssey with the SEC. Stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and the other relevant materials before making any voting or investment decision with respect to the proposed Transaction.

Participants in the Solicitation

Odyssey, AOMC, and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees and certain of their respective significant stockholders may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Odyssey and AOMC stockholders in respect of the proposed Transaction. Information about Odyssey’s directors and executive officers is available in Odyssey’s proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025, for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and Odyssey’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026.

Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holding or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Transaction. Investors should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. Free copies of these documents may be obtained from the SEC and Odyssey as indicated above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire