Reichert started his career at Cominco and worked at operations including the Snip mine.

He's led construction or development projects in Russia, Brazil, Nevada and Kazakhstan, Skeena said, and was part of the development team which led the transition into operations at B2Gold's Fekola mine in Mali.

He currently oversees the miner's three international gold operations.

"Now, as we aggressively advance Eskay Creek through development and into production, Randy's years of mine building experience will help guide Skeena in this exciting next stage of growth," Skeena CEO Walter Coles Jr said.

He thanked outgoing board member Borden Putnam III who was moving to a technical advisor role.

Skeena raised C$7 million last month at $20.21 per flow-through share to fund further exploration, with Ausenco Engineering Canada becoming a strategic investor.

A feasibility study, which could outline production of 400,000 ounces a year for the high-grade Eskay Creek, is slated for early 2022. 

The company's progress has seen it named a possible M&A target.

Skeena shares (TSX: SKE) are trading near the middle of a one-year range, last closing at $12.52 to capitalise it at $788.6 million (US$624 million).