Lake Resources appoints new CEO and managing director
Lake Resources’ newly appointed managing director and chief executive officer will ensure the Kachi lithium brine project will be fast-tracked to development.
After a six-month global recruitment drive, lithium development company Lake Resources (ASX: LKE) has appointed mining industry stalwart David Dickson to the role of chief executive officer and managing director.
Mr Dickson has over 30 years’ experience in process technology, engineering, construction, and EPC (engineering procurement and construction) cost management across the energy sector.
In 2008, he was appointed to the role of president of oil and gas company Technip USA Inc, where he oversaw marketing and operations across north, south and central America.
In 2013, he accepted the role of chief executive officer of global engineering and construction firm McDermott International where he steered the company into profitable new markets and struck deals with key customers such as state-owned Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Company).
Mr Dickson oversaw McDermott’s merger with CB&I Storage Solutions and ultimately grew the business from 14,000 employees in 20 countries to over 30,000 employees across 54 international markets.
Mr Dickson is currently a senior advisor to private equity firm Quantum Energy Partners and an executive advisor to strategic investment firm The Chatterjee Group.
He is also on the board of the US National Safety Council and is a member of the World Hydrogen Council.
Proven track record
Mr Dickson has a proven track record in delivering multi-billion dollar resource projects and his leadership will support Lake’s mission to become a global supplier of responsibly-sourced, environment-friendly and cost-competitive high-purity lithium.
He is expected to fast-track the company’s north and south American operations to advance key project and marketing milestones.
“Lake has the opportunity to set a new global standard for producing clean, high-purity lithium at speed and scale, at a time when lithium demand is growing rapidly,” Mr Dickson said.
“To be a part of the global energy transition and bring a crucial new technology into large scale lithium production is an immense privilege.”
Major achievement
Lake executive chairman Stuart Gow said Mr Dickson’s appointment was a “major achievement” as Lake moves towards becoming a major lithium producer.
“David combines proven leadership experience and engineering expertise with a deep strategic understanding of offtake and investor perspectives on energy supply chains,” he said.
“He also knows all the major oilfield services and EPC contractors who are looking to expand into the renewables economy at a time when major projects are struggling to source this capability and support.”
Experienced negotiator
Mr Crow said Mr Dickson was an experienced contracts negotiator who would bring a “senior commercial presence” to the table.
“David’s desire to join Lake demonstrates his confidence in our cutting-edge Lilac technology and strong ESG (environmental, social and governance) focus which we believe will see us set a new standard for the lithium extraction and production industry,” he said.
“His expertise links project delivery, technical knowledge and relationships with key stakeholders across industry, government and the investment community and we welcome him to our leadership team.”