SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australian Strategic Materials (ASX:ASM) announced the appointment of CEO Ms Rowena Smith as Managing Director, to take effect 6 March 2023.

Mr Ian Gandel, Chair of ASM, said this was a natural progression following Ms Smith’s appointment as CEO in July 2022.

“We are delighted to welcome Rowena as Managing Director to the ASM Board,” he said. “Since Rowena Smith became CEO last year, she has led the Company through a successful Capital Raising, the commencement of the EPC Definition work for the Dubbo Project and the first sale and delivery of product from the Korean Metals Plant. These activities have placed ASM in a strong position for 2023, as we progress our Dubbo Project and ramp-up of the Korean Metals Plant.”

“Rowena’s appointment to the ASM Board supports ASM’s delivery of its strategic ambitions and growth. The Board looks forward to continuing to work with Rowena as we build our global rare earths and critical minerals business.”

Ms Smith is a highly experienced global mining executive with over 30 years’ experience in various senior roles including strategy, commercial, operations and ESG. Prior to joining ASM, Ms Smith was South32’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President Supply, leading teams across Australia, South Africa, Mozambique, Colombia and the United States. She has also held roles with Rio Tinto and BHP for Nickel West, including as Head of Resource Planning & Development and Projects, Manager Strategy and Acquisitions, and General Manager Kwinana Nickel Refinery.