Board and Management
Jason Froud
Managing Director
Mr. Froud is a geologist with over 25 years of experience in the resources sector, having worked for major mining companies including Newcrest and WMC, as well as global consultancies. His expertise spans the entire mining cycle and numerous commodities. Recently, he was responsible for business development at Liontown Resources, where he focused on generating new lithium and battery metals projects with Tier 1 potential, and executed various farm-ins and joint ventures across Australia.
Hugh Thomas
Non-Executive Chairman
Mr. Thomas is an experienced public market director and former investment banker with over 30 years of specialisation in the mining and exploration sectors, particularly across the Asia Pacific and African regions. His previous roles include serving on the Boards of various listed exploration companies and corporately as Managing Director and Head of Natural Resources Asia Pacific for J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. Currently, Mr. Thomas serves as Chairman of International Base Metals Limited and as Non-Executive Director of NT Minerals Limited.
Anja Ehser
Non-Executive Director
Mrs Ehser is a geologist with more than 15 years of experience in minerals exploration and project management for base, precious and battery metals in Europe and Canada. Since 2011, she has held various positions within the Deutsche Rohstoff Group including management and board positions in various subsidiaries. Mrs Ehser currently is VP Geology focusing on the business development of its metals and mining sector.
Richard Taylor
Non-Executive Director
Mr Taylor has held senior executive roles in the resource sector for more than 15 years. Prior to Premier1 Lithium, he was CEO of ASX-listed Terramin Australia Ltd and held senior roles with Mineral Deposits Limited, PanAust, MMG Ltd and Oxiana Ltd specialising in business development, strategy and governance. Mr Taylor is a qualified lawyer. He holds a MBA from the University of Cambridge and a Master degree in Law from ANU.
Paul Smith
Exploration Manager
Paul Smith is an exploration geologist with over 14 years of experience in Australia and internationally, working with mid-tier and junior mining and exploration companies. His expertise spans the exploration of various commodities, including lithium, mineral sands, base metals, and gold. Most recently, he served as the Exploration Superintendent at Azure Minerals Limited, where he played a pivotal role in discovering the Andover Lithium Project. He also led a world-class team in the exploration and resource drilling of what is shaping up to be a globally significant lithium project. Paul has a proven track record of discovery and building the right team to bring projects to fruition.