Piedmont Lithium Inc (ASX:PLL, NASDAQ:PLL, XETRA:) has made two senior appointments aimed at strengthening its role to support America’s move towards a low-carbon economy.
The company has appointed James Griffiths, an accomplished corporate finance expert, as senior vice-president of Corporate Development and Treasury, and Kara deBorde, an award-winning risk manager, as vice-president of Risk Management.
Key appointments
Piedmont president and chief executive officer Keith Phillips said the appointments were key as the company nears revenue generation from the jointly-owned North American Lithium Project and advances its development plans globally.
"James and Kara are highly qualified professionals who have a broad depth of knowledge in their respective areas of expertise," Phillips said.
"James has an impressive track record in investment banking, covering mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising for chemical and industrial companies, and will be instrumental in advancing our strategic priorities and capital plans.
“Kara's robust background in risk mitigation will further support our efforts to drive value for shareholders, as she sets the strategic risk management vision to minimise Piedmont's exposure to loss and controls the cost of claims, litigation, and insurance.
“James and Kara are strong additions, and they are joining at an important time for Piedmont as we prepare for first commercial shipments from North American Lithium in Q3 2023 and diligently work toward production targets in Ghana, Tennessee, and North Carolina.”
Treasury and capital markets strategist
James Griffiths
Armed with 17 years of experience in investment banking and management consulting, Griffiths brings a strong track record in mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising for chemical and industrial companies.
He most recently served as director in the Global Industrials Group at Bank of America, where he facilitated debt and equity financing for major clients and provided merger and acquisition guidance.
Griffiths holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Lancaster University.
Risk management specialist
Kara deBorde
With over two decades of experience, deBorde has honed her skills in strategic risk management, loss protection and analytics.
She earned her bachelor's degree in management from the University of South Carolina and previously held positions at TC Transcontinental (TSX:TCL.A), Coveris, S.A., Michelin North America, S.B. Phillips Company and Liberty Mutual Insurance.