Australian lithium miner Core Lithium (ASX: CXO) today announced it will relocate the company’s corporate head office to Perth, WA, and two key appointments.
In line with Core’s transition to lithium producer, the Company has decided to relocate its corporate head office to Perth, Western Australia. Perth is the corporate centre of Australia’s lithium industry and will provide Core with better access to mining services providers, particularly those with lithium industry experience.
Perth also provides access to a deep pool of mining and project delivery talent, and retains a direct and regular route to the Finniss Lithium Operation, via Darwin in the Northern Territory.
Establishment of a Perth Office is anticipated to occur by mid-2023 and closure of the Adelaide office is expected to be concluded by the end of 2023. Core has offered all Adelaide-based employees the option to relocate to Perth.
Aligned with Core’s corporate evolution, the Company is pleased to announce two key appointments to the executive leadership team as part of building its organisational capability:
- Ms Melissa Winks – Executive General Manager, Sustainability
- Mr Andrew Forman – Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Ms Winks has joined Core’s executive team to take responsibility for our Sustainability functions including ESG, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Communities, Indigenous Engagement and Approvals. This is a newly created position and reflects Core’s commitment to sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations.
Ms Winks brings a wealth of experience from working in Canada and various locations across Australia, including more than five years in the Northern Territory. In addition to her extensive experience in HSE and Sustainability, Ms Winks has established respectful and productive relationships with the Northern Territory Government and key local stakeholders.
Mr Forman becomes Core’s Interim CFO from February. A well-qualified accounting and finance professional with extensive experience in the mining sector and expertise in audit, accounting, financial reporting and governance, Mr Forman recently completed a 35-year career with PwC, including more than 20 years as a partner.
Mr Forman is working alongside current CFO, Simon Iacopetta, to complete a handover prior to his appointment as Interim CFO in February. Core has appointed Korn Ferry to assist with the recruitment of a permanent Perth-based CFO, which the Company expects to complete by the middle of 2023.
Core Lithium CEO Gareth Manderson said: “Perth has become Australia’s lithium hub and hosts one of the nation’s largest mining talent pools. Relocating the corporate head office to Perth makes sense for Core and forms part of our broader strategy to build a sustainable, value-driven lithium business.
“Aligned with our relocation to Perth is the continued development of the capacity and capability within our organisation. I am delighted to welcome Melissa Winks and Andrew Forman to the Core team.
“Melissa will take the lead of our Sustainability and ESG strategy in this newly created executive position. This is a key piece of work and a critical role for the business. Andrew brings a great set of skills and experience to the team as Interim CFO and will ensure a seamless handover of this critical finance function.”
