Who is the new CEO of Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM)?

Lithium Plus Minerals has appointed Andrew Haythorpe as Chief Executive Officer, effective 13 April 2026.

Why did Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) make this leadership change now?

The appointment is a strategic move to transition the company from an explorer to a producer. Management aims to leverage Haythorpe’s dual expertise in geology and capital markets to accelerate the development of the flagship Lei Lithium Project toward production readiness.

What is the Lei Lithium Project and why is it important for LPM?

The Lei Lithium Project is the flagship asset for Lithium Plus Minerals, representing the company's primary pathway to generating revenue. The project is currently moving out of the exploration phase, and the successful execution of its development will determine whether the company can successfully become an active lithium producer.

How much is the new CEO of Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) being paid?

Andrew Haythorpe’s employment agreement includes a total fixed remuneration of A$300,000 per annum, inclusive of superannuation. His package also includes "at-risk" short-term incentives (STI) consisting of 1,000,000 performance rights, which only vest if specific share price targets are met.

What are the performance targets for the new Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) CEO?

To unlock his performance rights, Haythorpe must oversee a significant increase in market valuation. 500,000 rights vest if the share price exceeds $0.20 over a 20-day VWAP, and another 500,000 vest if it exceeds $0.25; both targets are substantially higher than the $0.12 share price reported at the time of the announcement.

What are the main risks for Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) shareholders following this news?

While Haythorpe is highly experienced, he faces a six-month probation period and the inherent "key person risk" associated with a new leader. Additionally, the transition from exploration to production is notoriously difficult and capital-intensive, meaning any delays in the Lei Lithium Project could weigh on the share price.

How does Andrew Haythorpe’s background fit the Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) strategy?

Haythorpe provides a blend of technical geological knowledge and "street" experience in capital raisings and strategic transactions. This is critical for a junior miner like LPM, which requires both the technical skill to build a mine and the financial reputation to secure the funding necessary for development.

Lithium Plus Minerals appoints Andrew Haythorpe as CEO

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Apr. 13 2026Last Updated Apr. 13 2026

Lithium Plus Minerals (ASX:LPM) appointed veteran mining executive Andrew Haythorpe as its new CEO, effective April 13.

The move is designed to accelerate the development of the company’s flagship Lei Lithium Project as it transitions from exploration towards production readiness.

Haythorpe joins the company with over 40 years of experience across the resources sector, specialising in exploration, capital markets, and corporate leadership.

A geologist by trade, he has a distinguished history of founding and managing multiple ASX-listed entities, including Crescent Gold, Michelago Resources, and Liberty Resources.

Executive Chairman Dr Bin Guo expressed strong confidence in the appointment, noting that Haythorpe’s dual expertise in technical geology and financial management is critical for the company’s current growth phase.

"Andrew’s proven track record of value creation makes him ideally suited to lead us as we advance the Lei Lithium Project," Dr Guo stated.

Haythorpe will serve a six-month probation period as he takes the helm of the Sydney-based lithium developer.

At the time of reporting, Lithium Plus Minerals’ share price was $0.12.