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Lithium industry veteran David Klanecky joins Piedmont to lead implementation of integrated chemicals business

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By Lorna Nicholas - 
Lithium industry veteran David Klanecky Piedmont Albemarle

Former Albemarle vice president David Klanecky has joined Piedmont to lead the implementation of its integrated US lithium chemicals business.

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Following a US$122.5 million capital raising in the United States last week, Piedmont Lithium (ASX: PLL) has firmed up its integrated lithium chemical business strategy further with the appointment of “industry veteran” and former Albemarle vice president David Klanecky to its board.

Mr Klanecky joins Piedmont as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In this role, Mr Klanecky will be charged with leading implementation of Piedmont’s integrated US-based lithium chemicals business and development of its operational capabilities.

Piedmont president and chief executive officer Keith Phillips said Mr Klanecky’s experience and enthusiasm for the lithium sector was “unmatched”.

“Having had responsibility for the world’s leading hard rock-based lithium hydroxide business, including spodumene investments in Western Australia, lithium hydroxide plants in China, and the lithium hydroxide project currently under construction in Kemerton, WA, Mr Klanecky is uniquely qualified to lead Piedmont’s operating team as we move into the execution stage of building America’s number one integrated lithium hydroxide business,” Mr Phillips added.

Previous experience

Prior to joining Piedmont, the majority of Mr Klanecky’s career has been spent in senior operational, research and development, commercial and strategic leadership roles.

Between 2013 and 2021, Mr Klanecky worked with the world’s leading lithium producer Albemarle.

During his tenure with Albemarle, Mr Klanecky’s more recent positions include vice president strategy and corporate development followed by vice president of lithium operations (APAC/EU).

This role also had global responsibility for Albemarle’s manufacturing/operations, process technology and product management within the global lithium business.

Prior to working with Albemarle, Mr Klanecky spent 20 years with The Dow Chemical Company, with assignments spanning the globe including Spain, Switzerland and China.

In his last role with Dow, Mr Klanecky launched the company’s Dow Energy Materials Business and served as the business unit’s global business director.

This new business unit focused on lithium-ion battery materials for battery manufacturers and auto original equipment manufacturers.