Kirkland Lake Gold is replacing its chief executive with the former CEO of Lake Shore Gold Corp., Anthony (Tony) Makuch.

Makuch has been executive vice-president and head of Canadian operations for Tahoe Resources since it acquired Lake Shore Gold in an all-stock deal, worth $945 million when it was announced in February.

The chair of Kirkland Lake’s board of directors, Eric Sprott, says Makuch has demonstrated an ability to grow and optimize the company’s production and take it to the next stage of its development.

George Ogilvie resigned from Kirkland Lake on Sunday and won’t stand for election as a director at its annual meeting, scheduled for Monday morning in Toronto.

The CEO’s role will be filled on an interim basis by Barry Olson, a member of Kirkland Lake’s board of directors, while Makuch completes his current role.

Vancouver-based Tahoe Resources announced separately this morning that management of its Lake Shore Gold division will be assumed by Ron Clayton, Tahoe’s president and chief operating officer.