Liontown Resources has made a significant reshuffle of its leadership, abandoning a traditional executive structure for one that is more strategic. The mining firm, renowned for its Kathleen Valley lithium project, is making vital internal shifts in operations to come. Two senior management officials, Jon Latto and Adam Smits, are leaving their positions, ushering in a new era for the top brass.
CFO Jon Latto to Depart in Mid-July
Jon Latto, Liontown’s chief finance officer, will retire from the position effective 14 July 2025, after three significant years. Latto had a critical role in capital management, financial strategy, and raising funds during times of extreme market volatility. He joined Liontown in 2022 at a critical juncture when the company made the transition from developer to operational lithium producer.
CEO Tony Ottaviano praised Latto for his discipline, financial stewardship, and the rigour he brought to leadership. Ottaviano attributed Latto with assisting in developing strong frameworks to facilitate long-term growth, particularly at the Kathleen Valley operation. Latto’s leadership was instrumental in returning a sound financial foundation during increased lithium demand and intensifying global competition.
CFO Jon Latto to exit Liontown in July after guiding major financial milestones and project transitions.
Interim CFO Appointed to Maintain Continuity
For operational stability, Liontown has appointed current head of finance Graeme Pettit as interim CFO during the transition. Pettit is a chartered accountant with over ten years’ experience in mining finance and thus an apt choice for the position.
He has been on senior leadership team since 2022 and knows the company’s financial trajectory well. The business has begun an official hunt for an enduring CFO to ensure strategic continuity within the leadership overhaul.
Pettit’s familiarity with Liontown’s internal procedures will prove vital as operations advance at the Kathleen Valley project. His temporary appointment lends backing to continued investor confidence and personnel continuity amidst this leadership transition phase.
Long-time COO Adam Smits Also Exits
Another major change involves chief operating officer Adam Smits, who will officially depart Liontown at the end of August. Smits was one of Liontown’s earliest executives and played a pivotal role in developing the Kathleen Valley lithium operation. Over six years, he led the journey from initial resource identification to full operational production, achieving fast-track success.
CEO Tony Ottaviano described Smits as “an engineer’s engineer” and acknowledged the legacy he leaves at Liontown’s core operations. Smits’ legacy involved creating a robust operational platform that will continue to underpin future lithium supply growth. He will stay with the company until the end of August to support the transition and knowledge transfer to his replacement.
New COO Ryan Hair Brings Proven Expertise
Liontown has appointed Ryan Hair as the company’s future chief operating officer, joining from Covalent Lithium to take over operations by 11 August. Hair has a solid record in lithium mining and shares Liontown’s strategy of focusing on sustainability. He said he was looking forward to joining Liontown and helping build Kathleen Valley and its future operations.
Hair will work to maintain safety, reliability, and efficiency as key to the site’s performance after this leadership transition. With a long-life asset such as Kathleen Valley, Hair’s experience is set to enhance operational planning and delivery. His appointment signals Liontown’s commitment to hiring experienced professionals as it transitions to becoming a full-scale lithium producer.
CEO Tony Ottaviano Reaffirms Strategic Vision
During the leadership reorganisation, Tony Ottaviano continues to lead Liontown with confidence and clear long-term strategic direction. He assured stakeholders that Liontown’s priorities remain the same, such as the safe and effective delivery of lithium supply. Ottaviano has repeatedly spoken about the significance of the Kathleen Valley project in winning global lithium demand and supply chains.
The CEO says executive changes will enable Liontown’s growth, with new energy and new thinking on the team. He emphasised the robust foundations created by Jon Latto and Adam Smits in their impactful tenures. Ottaviano continues to be centred on maintaining performance and aligning operations with global energy transition goals.
The Future of Liontown Resources
The Liontown leadership restructuring is a turning point as the company enters a more mature stage of project delivery. With the Kathleen Valley project attracting international attention, leadership stability and experience are paramount to its long-term success. As lithium demand keeps climbing, Liontown’s capacity to attract and retain high-quality executive talent will continue to be important.
Market observers will pay close attention to how new appointments impact production, sustainability, and shareholder faith. Leadership shifts notwithstanding, Liontown is well-positioned to achieve strategic objectives with a balanced, experienced team. With solid backing from CEO Tony Ottaviano and a strong project foundation, the company begins its new chapter with renewed impetus.
