Pilbara Minerals Limited announced the appointment of highly experienced mining and resource sector executive Dale Henderson as the Company's new CEO. The appointment of Mr. Henderson, who has held the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Pilbara Minerals since 2017, follows a wide-ranging and thorough executive search process initiated in February after Pilbara Minerals' long-serving Managing Director and CEO Ken Brinsden advised his intention to step down from the role. Mr. Henderson was selected from a field of outstanding candidates because of his strong lithium industry experience, outstanding leadership skills, strong cultural values and work ethic, and his clear understanding of the future of the lithium raw materials industry and Pilbara Minerals' vision to become a major long-term player in the rapidly growing lithium industry supply chain.

During his tenure as COO, Mr. Henderson has also forged strong relationships with Pilbara Minerals' key stakeholders, including the Traditional Owners at Pilgangoora, the Company's customers, project partners and key investors and he has played a significant role in helping to develop and implement Pilbara Minerals' ESG and sustainability framework. Mr. Brinsden will formally step down as Managing Director on 30 July 2022, however he will work closely with Mr. Henderson over the next two months to ensure a smooth and effective transition. During his career, Mr. Henderson has worked in senior roles for companies including Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Chevron and Occidental Petroleum.

Prior to joining Pilbara Minerals in 2017, he held senior leadership roles with FMG in mine operations and project development. Since joining Pilbara Minerals in 2017, Mr. Henderson has worked closely with Mr. Brinsden, initially to implement the production moderation and cost-cutting strategy that was devised in response to the severe downturn seen in lithium raw materials prices in 2017-2019. He also played a key role in overseeing operational improvements at the Pilgangoora Project following initial commissioning and ramp-up challenges, helping to drive the acquisition strategy for the adjoining Ngungaju Plant, and establishing the foundations for the long-term growth profile for the Pilgangoora Operation.

More recently, Mr. Henderson has led the technical and operational teams that have implemented Pilbara Minerals' rapid production growth programs, allowing the Company to take advantage of the current strong lithium market conditions and record pricing and paving the way for longer-term growth initiatives at Pilgangoora such as the P680 and P1000 expansion projects. With Mr. Henderson assuming the role of Managing Director & CEO, the Company will now review its arrangements in respect of leadership for operations including in respect of the role of Chief Operating Officer.