Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) has strengthened its board of directors with the appointment of South American-based lithium executive María Claudia Pohl Ibáñez.
Ms Pohl is a civil industrial engineer with extensive experience in the lithium production industry.
Her most recent role was with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) where she worked for 23 years in numerous leadership roles relating to lithium project evaluation and operations.
After leaving SQM in late-2021, Ms Pohl assumed the role of managing partner and general manager of Chilean process engineering consultancy Ad-Infinitum, with specific focus on lithium brine projects under development.
Ms Pohl joins Galan as an independent non-executive director at a critical point in the company’s journey towards bringing the flagship Hombre Muerto West project in Argentina to production.
She will be remunerated in line with existing non-executive directors.
Chairman’s welcome
Galan chairman Richard Homsany welcomed Ms Pohl to the board.
“It is a great achievement for Galan to attract a person of Claudia’s calibre as she brings substantial lithium brine experience to the table and has a real desire to make a positive difference,” he said.
“Claudia joins the board at a significant time on our way to becoming a producer and will bring a new and exciting perspective to the team.”
Ms Pohl said she was “truly honoured” to be joining the company.
“I have watched Galan’s progress closely over the last several years and the Hombre Muerto resource that has been proved up is truly world class and the envy of many in the industry,” she said.
“I look forward to joining to lead Galan towards becoming the next major lithium producer in South America.”
Director retirement
Galan has announced that non-executive director Chris Chalwell will retire from the role at the end of May.
Mr Chalwell has been with the company since February 2011.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank Chris for the significant and valued contribution he has made to the company over more than a decade,” Mr Homsany said.
“Chris has helped build and grow Galan to achieve the successful position it enjoys today we warmly wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
