European lithium development company Savannah Resources on Monday announced the retirement of Matthew King as chairperson and the appointment of Rick Anthon as his successor.

Anthon worked for Allkem (previously Orocobre) from its initial public offering as a small exploration company to a A$16-billion merger with Livent last year to form NYSE-listed Arcadium Lithium.

Anthon, who will start his new role on June 25, brings significant industry experience to the board, including lithium-sector-specific knowledge.

Savannah also announced the appointment of Diogo da Silveira as deputy chairperson. He joined the company as nonexecutive director in November 2022 and is a member of the audit and risk and remuneration committee.

Chairperson elect Anthon said Da Silveira was highly respected in Portuguese business circles. “Diogo's expertise in Portugal will be invaluable as the company moves into its next stage."

Da Silveira has been acting as Savannah’s senior in-country representative since his appointment a year-and-a-half ago.

Meanwhile, Savannah announced the resignations of nonexecutive directors Mary Jo Jacobi and James Leahy.

Jacobi is stepping down as a consequence of a grave family illness, outgoing chairperson King explained in a statement. Jacobi played a key part in the recruitment of Emanuel Proença as CEO and the appointment of Anthon, he added.

“I am delighted to pass the baton on to Rick Anthon, who has all the qualifications and attributes needed by Savannah in the next phase of its development of the Barroso lithium project.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the significant contributions made by Ms Jacobi and Mr Leahy as directors of the company,” said King.

He added that the partnership with critical minerals company AMG positioned Savannah as “a very significant player in Europe's lithium battery value chain, fundamental to the region's energy transition”.