Rio Tinto and Pilbara Minerals have welcomed new leaders to their teams in bids to strengthen their lithium portfolios.
Rio Tinto
The major has welcomed Elias Scafidas, current chief financial officer, copper and diamonds, into the role of managing director of battery materials.
Scafidas will begin his role from the start of 2024, and will replace Marnie Finlayson who is taking extended leave to spend time with family.
Based in London, Scafidas has held multiple positions with Rio Tinto since 2016, beginning with president, energy and minerals before moving into the role of managing director, group corporate strategy and development.
He has been serving as chief financial officer since 2018.
Pilbara Minerals
Former Lynas chairman Kathleen Conlon has secured a non-executive director and chair role at Pilbara Minerals.
Conlon will replace retiring non-executive chair Anthony Kiernan, who will leave the company on January 31 2024.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve on the Board of Pilbara Minerals for over seven years as the company transitioned from a developer to one of the world’s leading lithium producers,” Kiernan said.
“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.”
Conlon recently retired as chair of Lynas, a position she held for over 12 years. She will bring with her over 20 years of professional management consulting experience in strategy and business improvement.
“I am delighted to be joining the board of Pilbara Minerals as the company enters its next phase of growth,” she said.
“I look forward to bringing key learnings from my experience across a range of sectors, but particularly the critical minerals industry, to Pilbara Minerals.”
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