NEW YORK / Jan 14, 2021 / Business Wire / Piedmont Lithium Limited (“Piedmont” or “Company”) is pleased to announce the additions of Ms. Malissa Gordon, Mr. Jim Nottingham, Mr. John “Pratt” Ray, and Mr. Brian Risinger, as senior members of the Company’s management team. The appointments come as Piedmont progresses its integrated lithium hydroxide project in North Carolina toward construction later in 2021, advances its plans to redomicile the Company’s primary listing to the United States, and assumes a higher profile in the clean energy sector through its involvement in forward-thinking organizations such as the Zero Emission Transportation Association in partnership with organizations such as Tesla, Uber, Albemarle, Lithium Americas, and others.
Ms. Gordon joined Piedmont in 2020 as Manager – Community and Government Relations. Malissa most recently spent over 12 years with the Gaston County (North Carolina) Economic Development Commission. Ms. Gordon brings deep local roots to the Piedmont team with strong connections to community leaders, non-profit and business organizations. Ms. Gordon received her BS in Corporate Communications from Western Carolina University.
Mr. Nottingham has joined Piedmont as Senior Project Manager – Concentrate Operations. Jim brings extensive project management, construction, mine management and process plant operations management experience to Piedmont from his 30+ years’ operating in the mining industry. Mr. Nottingham received his BS in Mining and Mineral Engineering from West Virginia University.
Mr. Ray joined Piedmont in 2020 as Production Manager – Chemical Operations. Pratt has deep experience in the production of lithium hydroxide and carbonate, both from spodumene and brine sources, having spent almost 30 years in production and operating roles at Livent’s Bessemer City, North Carolina lithium chemical facility.
Mr. Risinger has joined Piedmont as Vice President – Corporate Communications and Investor Relations. Brian has over 20 years’ experience in similar roles, having served most recently as director of marketing, corporate communications, and investor relations for Sonoco Products Company, one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies. Mr. Risinger is a graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business at The University of South Carolina.
Keith D. Phillips, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “I am excited that Malissa, Jim, Pratt, and Brian have chosen to join the Piedmont team. Malissa will enhance our outreach and relationships within our North Carolina community. Jim’s experience both building and operating mines and processing plants will be pivotal as Piedmont transitions from technical studies to implementation. Pratt brings to the Piedmont team years of practical lithium hydroxide production operational know-how of which few others can claim. Brian is a highly experienced investor and public relations executive who will improve Piedmont’s communication with the investing and media communities.
“2021 is a pivotal year for Piedmont, and the addition of these experienced professionals is the next logical step in the evolution of our Company and brings us closer to our goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium hydroxide for the North American battery materials market.”
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