Summit Minerals has announced the appointment of a new CEO who brings extensive experience in the lithium and battery metals industry.
Jiahe “Gower” He has been appointed to the role.
Summit Minerals said that Mr He’s experience promises to usher in a new era of leadership and strategic direction for the company.
Summit Minerals has said that Mr He is renowned for his more than two decades-long service in the resources sector.
As a certified CPA and a seasoned mining professional, Mr He has made notable contributions during his 16-year tenure at Mitsui & Co (Australia), where he was instrumental in helming strategic trade and investment endeavours across various commodities, with a specific focus on lithium, nickel, and other essential battery-related minerals.
While at Mitsui, Mr He headed the West Australian Metals and Minerals unit. His responsibilities encompassed handling stakeholder interactions at multiple tiers within the mining landscape, on both domestic and international fronts.
Mr He facilitated trade and investment operations with Australian lithium miners and engaged with key industry players from China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the US. These collaborations involved entities deeply entrenched in the electric vehicle (EV) value chain, amplifying his global reach and influence.
Following his time at Mitsui, Mr He also took up the mantle of Executive Director at Delta Lithium. His leadership was pivotal in the company’s metamorphosis from a junior gold explorer to an Australian Lithium contender.
Before joining the ranks of Summit, Mr He served as the CEO of Equinox Resources, further augmenting his expertise and network in the EV industry, particularly in Canada.
Summit’s Chairman, Peretz Schapiro, said that Summit is delighted to have appointed Mr He as CEO of the company.
“We are confident that his vast and diverse experience and network within the resources sector will be key to unlocking shareholder value at our company as we continue to progress our array of exciting projects,” Mr Schapiro said.
“On behalf of our board and shareholders, I would like to wish Mr He tremendous success over the coming months and years at Summit.”
Mr He said that he is excited to join the esteemed and motivated team at Summit and looks forward to progressing the company’s assets in the battery mineral sector.
“Canada is the next lithium frontier and an important region for Summit to focus on to maximise return to our loyal shareholders,” Mr He said.
“Exciting times ahead.”
