Piedmont Lithium, a developer of lithium resources critical to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain,  announced the strategic addition of two new senior leaders to support its global portfolio of projects.

James Griffiths, a global industrials and corporate finance expert, has been named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Treasury; Kara deBorde, an award-winning risk manager with broad-based leadership experience, has joined as Vice President of Risk Management.

Keith Phillips, President and CEO of Piedmont, said these positions are key as the Company nears revenue generation from the jointly owned North American Lithium project and continues to advance development plans in its global portfolio of lithium assets.

“James and Kara are highly qualified professionals who have a broad depth of knowledge in their respective areas of expertise,” he explained. “James has an impressive track record in investment banking, covering mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising for chemical and industrial companies, and will be instrumental in advancing our strategic priorities and capital plans. Kara’s robust background in risk mitigation will further support our efforts to drive value for shareholders, as she sets the strategic risk management vision to minimize Piedmont’s exposure to loss and controls the cost of claims, litigation, and insurance. James and Kara are strong additions, and they are joining at an important time for Piedmont as we prepare for first commercial shipments from North American Lithium in Q3 2023 and diligently work toward production targets in Ghana, Tennessee, and North Carolina.”

As Piedmont’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Treasury, Griffiths is responsible for advancing Piedmont’s strategic priorities and capital plans, providing leadership guidance on mergers and acquisition (M&A), joint venture, and strategic investment activities, along with associated capital structure and financing plans.

As the Company’s Vice President of Risk Management, deBorde is responsible for identifying, formulating, coordinating, and implementing all risk-related activities and procedures.