Future Battery Minerals (ASX:FBM) has appointed Nicholas Rathjen as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, effective from 6 December 2023.
The $54.64 million market capitalisation company says Rathjen has a proven track record accumulated over more than a decade in equity capital markets, corporate development, and mineral marketing.
He has led early-stage lithium projects through technical programs, economic studies, the execution of offtake agreements, funding and due diligence processes, project development, and the completion of commercial transactions.
Future Battery Minerals says Rathjen brings to the company a ‘strong commercial capability’ and ‘extensive’ experience in the lithium sector.
Commenting on the appointment, Future Battery Minerals Executive Chairman Mike Edwards says: “We are delighted to welcome Nick to the team as our Managing Director and CEO at a pivotal point for the company’s transition to becoming a significant lithium-focused business.
The board is confident in his ability to lead the company through the current challenges and the next exciting phase of its growth. Nick brings energy, enthusiasm and valuable corporate and operational expertise that aligns with the company’s strategic shift toward advancing exploration and development efforts on its Kangaroo Hills Lithium Project and Nevada Lithium Project.”
Addressing his appointment, Rathjen says: “I am honoured to join the company during this transformational period as it seeks to advance its portfolio of battery mineral assets.
I’m deeply passionate about developing lithium projects, and Kangaroo Hills holds all the characteristics of a truly exceptional lithium project that I am confident my knowledge, alongside the project teams, can unlock its full value potential.
“Kangaroo Hills holds all the characteristics of a truly exceptional lithium project…”
I look forward to executing the company’s strategy, leading the team through exploration and project development, and delivering shareholder value.”
Rathjen holds a Master of Applied Finance, Bachelor of Commerce, and Diploma of Investor Relations and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
He has most recently held the role of Head of Corporate Development at Canadian lithium developer Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1) and previously served as Head of Corporate Development at Prospect Resources (ASX:PSC).
Future Battery Minerals is an ASX-listed explorer focused on its portfolio of assets prospective for precious metals, critical minerals, and battery metals around Australia. As of 30 June 2023, the company had $3.04 million cash at hand, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Future Battery Minerals
