Piedmont Lithium enhances senior management team as it drives integrated US lithium supply strategy

Piedmont Lithium Ltd (ASX:PLL) (NASDAQ:PLL) (OTCMKTS:PDDTF) has strengthened its senior management team with the appointments of Malissa Gordon, Jim Nottingham, John ‘Pratt’ Ray and Brian Risinger. The appointments were made as the company progresses its integrated lithium hydroxide project in North Carolina towards construction later in 2021 and advances its plan to redomicile the company's primary listing to the United States. The company is also aiming to assume a higher profile in the clean energy sector by associating itself with organisations such as Zero Emission Transport Association in partnership with companies like Tesla, Albemarie, Uber and Lithium America. Aim to be lithium hydroxide producer PLL chief executive officer Keith D Philips said: I excited that Malissa, Jim, Pratt and Brian have chosen to join the Piedmont team. "2021 is a pivotal year of Piedmont, and the addition of these experienced professionals is the next logical step in the evolutions of our company and brings us closer to our of the goal of becoming a producer of lithium hydroxide for North American battery materials market.” New team members Malissa Gordon, a graduate in corporate communications from Western Carolina University, joined the company in 2020 as manager-community and government relations. She had been associated with Gaston County Economic Development Commission for more than 12 years and can bring local roots to the Piedmont team with a strong connection to community leaders, non-profit and business organisations. Philips said: “Malissa will enhance our outreach and relationships within our North Carolina community.” Jim Nottingham A graduate in mining and mineral engineering from West Virginia University, Nottingham has joined the company as senior project manager -- concrete operations. Nottingham has more than 30 years of experience in the mining industry and PLL believes he will offer extensive project management, construction, mine management and process plant operations management experience. Philips said: “Jim's experience both building and operating mines and processing plants will be pivotal as Piedmont transitions from technical studies to implementation.” John Ray John ‘Pratt’ Ray joined the company in 2020 as production manager - chemical operations and has deep experience in the production of lithium hydroxide and carbonate, both from spodumene and brine sources. Ray has worked for nearly 30 years in production and operation roles at Livent's Besser City, North Carolina lithium chemical facility. Philips said: “Pratt brings to the Piedmont team years of practical lithium hydroxide production operation know-how of which few others can claim.” Brian Risinger Brian Risinger is vice president - corporate communication and investor relations, and has more than 20 years' experience in similar roles, having served most recently as director of marketing, corporate communications and investor relations for Sonoco Products Company, one of the largest paper and packaging companies. Risinger is graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and the CEO said: “Brian is a highly experienced investor and public relations executive who will improve Piedmont's communication with the investing and media communities.”