Australia’s next lithium producer Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) has announced that Stephen Biggins, the founding managing director, has resigned and will step down from the role before the end of 2022.
Mr Biggins’ resignation is for personal reasons and Core wishes him and his family the very best for the future.
“After nearly 12 years with Core, I am proud of the contribution I have made to the discovery and development of the Finniss Lithium Project and growing the Company to become Australia’s next lithium producer,” Mr Biggins said.
“Core is in perfect position to reach its next stage of growth as a lithium producer, and I feel it is the right time to step down as Managing Director and pass the torch on to the right person to lead Core in this next stage.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Board, management and employees of Core as well as Core shareholders for their support over the years.
“Our transformation from explorer to producer is progressing to plan, the financial performance is strong, and at the Finniss Lithium Project, we have built a platform for sustainable growth for many years to come.”
Core’s board takes this opportunity to acknowledge Mr Biggins’ service over the past 11 years as both founding director and managing director and his valuable contribution towards the growth and development of the company. Mr Biggins oversaw the ASX listing of Core, brought extensive geological and listed company and capital markets experience and was instrumental in discovering and developing the Finniss Lithium Project.
Core chairman Greg English said Mr Biggins would leave a significant long-lasting legacy – none more important than the enduring culture of discovering and developing projects, especially Finniss.
“Stephen was a foundation director of Core and has put the company on a pathway for a stronger future,” Mr English said.
“With the development of the Finniss Lithium Project, he has led the biggest transformation in the Company’s history and has set Core up for strong earnings growth.
“On behalf of the board and all current and former staff, I would like to pay special tribute to Stephen and thank him for his commitment to Core since the company’s inception in 2010. Stephen has made an outstanding contribution to the Company, and we wish him well in his other ventures.”
The board has appointed Korn Ferry to search for a new chief executive.