Pilbara Minerals has announced that it has selected a new Non-Executive Chair of the company, who will enter into the role following the retirement of the current Chair.
Anthony Kiernan has confirmed that he will retire as Non-Executive Chair effective 31 January 2024.
Kathleen Conlon has been appointed as Non-Executive Director, effective from 1 January 2024, subsequently assuming the role of Chair of the company upon Mr Kiernan’s retirement.
Mr Kiernan has served as Chair of Pilbara Minerals since June 2016, during which time the company has achieved many milestones including securing funding, completing construction and achieving production at Pilgangoora, acquiring the neighbouring Altura project, forming joint venture partnerships for chemicals production with POSCO Holdings and Calix Limited, and progressing an increase in nameplate production capacity to one million tonnes per annum.
Mr Kiernan said that it has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the Board of Pilbara Minerals for more than seven years as the company transitioned from a developer to one of the world’s leading lithium producers.
“However, the time is now right for Board renewal, and I am delighted that Kathleen, with her extensive executive and management experience, will be taking up the role as Chair in 2024,” Mr Kiernan said.
Ms Conlon recently retired as Chair of Lynas Rare Earths and is currently Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed companies Aristocrat Leisure and BlueScope Steel.
Ms Conlon has previously held Director level roles at other ASX-listed companies, government departments and not for profit organisations and has more than 20 years of professional management consulting experience specialising in strategy and business improvement across a wide range of industries and with extensive international experience.
Ms Conlon said that she is delighted to be joining the Board of Pilbara Minerals as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“I look forward to bringing key learnings from my experience across a range of sectors, but particularly the critical minerals industry, to Pilbara Minerals,” Ms Conlon said.
Pilbara Minerals CEO and Managing Director, Dale Henderson, thanked Mr Kiernan on behalf of the Board for his leadership and contributions to Pilbara Minerals over the past seven years.
“The company has navigated many challenges and has emerged as a leading force in this growing future facing industry. This is in no small part due to Tony’s level-headed stewardship as Chair,” Mr Henderson said.
“Going forward, on behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Kathleen to the company. We look forward to working with her and drawing on her considerable business experience for this next exciting chapter for the company.”
