Former Global Lithium boss Ron Mitchell has been appointed chief executive of Firebird Metals, effective from November 3.
Former Global Lithium boss Ron Mitchell has been appointed chief executive of Firebird Metals, effective from November 3.
As a result of the appointment, managing director Peter Allen will finish up his role on Friday, while Evan Cranston will become the company’s executive chair.
Mr Cranston told the market he was confident that Mr Mitchell would be a real asset for Firebird, which has multiple manganese projects in Western Australia, along with a battery-grade manganese plant in China.
"Ron brings a wealth of experience in the battery metals and lithium sector which will be invaluable to Firebird as it accelerates its plans including the establishment of an Australian laboratory and continuing its LMFP and LMR development in China," he said.
"Retaining Peter in a consulting role ensures the continuity of knowledge as Firebird fast-track’s its high-purity manganese sulphate and LMFP strategy."
Mr Mitchell departed Global Lithium in February, after resigning during the company's annual general meeting, along with the-then chief financial officer, Matthew Allen.
The resignations of both men stemmed from news in August last year that Leon Zhu – a shareholder with a 6.9 per cent stake in the company at the time – filed a 249D complaint against Global in order to remove two board members and place himself as part of a capped three-person board.
By November, two Global board members, Greg Lilleyman and Hayley Lawrance left the board.
Leading up to the AGM, Mr Mitchell recommended that company shareholders vote against Mr Zhu and David Sun joining the board.
Dianmin Chen was eventually appointed managing director following his re-election, while Mr Zhu and Mr Sun were also elected to the board.
Firebird last traded at 15.5 cents.
