The Board of Ionic Rare Earths Limited (ASX: IXR) has advised that as part of its strategy towards increasing its presence in North America, the company has appointed Jill Kelley as an Executive Director to drive engagement with key stakeholders and potential end-users in that nation.
The company said the appointment of Ms Kelley is expected to greatly aid the progression of key relationships with global groups, including but not limited to those in the US.
Ms Kelley has previously held roles at the highest levels of international leadership and has played a crucial role in supporting U.S. military operations spanning over 60 countries, collectively known as the U.S. Coalition Allies. Ms. Kelley’s networks in, and knowledge of, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South and Central America have helped advance American interests during the most critical points in current history.
As former honorary ambassador to U.S. Central Command General Mattis and CIA Director David Petraeus, Ms. Kelley met regularly with Royals, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Parliamentarians to foster military, security, and economic relationships.
Ms. Kelley received the Pentagon’s esteemed Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for her leadership, along with the Multi-National Military Forces Award, an honour only bestowed upon a few individuals. As a former diplomat, Ms. Kelley was the youngest appointed Honorary Consul General to South Korea.
Ms Kelley’s title was bestowed by the President of the Republic of South Korea for her ability and expertise to influence and advance international security, trade and economic opportunities including her help in passing the ROK Free Trade Agreement.
In 2017, Ms. Kelley became President of Military Diplomacy Strategies, an international advisory firm that counsels embassies and advises multi-national companies with an in-depth analysis of geopolitical challenges with security, trade and economic opportunities across the global community.
In this role, Ms. Kelley made high level introductions, advanced government and corporate relations, helped execute strategic partnerships and offtakes, and facilitated cross-border relationships on a global scale,” Chairman, Trevor Benson, said.
“On behalf of the Board of Ionic, I am very pleased to welcome Ms Kelley as an Executive Director. We believe that with her extensive experience globally and within strategic areas of US Government and connections to key industries that require secure supply of critical commodities (as defined by the US Government) Ionic has the potential to become a serious contender in providing end users with rare earths critical to the development of offshore wind turbine ‘Green Energy’.
“Undoubtedly, with Ionic’s focus on delivering secure supply of rare earth products to the US, Ms. Kelley will be a valuable addition to the Ionic team, to negotiate with potential US stakeholders including at high levels within US Government. The addition of Ms. Kelley will enhance Ionic’s capacity to deliver secure sustainably sourced supply of rare earths to the ever-expanding electric vehicle, communications and defence industries.”
Managing Director, Tim Harrison, said the appointment of Ms Kelley is an important step in further engaging with potential end users and our increased corporate activity within the US.
“The Board of Ionic has always maintained the position that the Makuutu Rare Earth Project is large enough to have the potential to support multiple strategic partners.
“Ms. Kelley will greatly assist the Board of IonicRE to now capitalise on the unique appeal of Makuutu, and formalising partnerships to enable IonicRE to maximise the value of the basket, specifically the forecast supply constrained heavy rare earth oxides.”
For further information please visit: https://ionicre.com.au/
