ioneer mourns passing of highly respected non-executive director John Hofmeister

ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR) (FRA:4G1) (OTCMKTS:GSCCF) is deeply saddened by the passing of highly respected non-executive director John Hofmeister, following a short illness.

Hofmeister served on the ioneer board for the past four years, where he ably served as the chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and, even more importantly, as a valuable contributor to the development of ioneer and our Rhyolite Ridge Lithium Boron project.

The company said he would be deeply missed by the board, management team and staff and passed on sincere condolences to his family.

“Profound impact” on development and culture

Executive chairman James D Calaway said: “John brought energy, intellect and deep experience to our company.

“His years at GE, AlliedSignal and Royal Dutch Shell, where he ultimately served as president of Shell Oil USA allowed him to have a profound impact on ioneer’s development and culture.

“Much of John’s professional expertise was gained through serving the organisations he worked for at the most senior human resources levels.

“John was an avid believer in the importance of diversity and worked tirelessly for the National Urban League, where he served as chairman and continued as a member of the board until his death.

“He had an uncanny way of understanding leaders and people. His commitment to people and how to build organisations that honour them has had a profound impact on ioneer’s culture.

“This, among many other accomplishments, is his legacy.”

“Exceptional and thought-provoking leader”

Calaway continued: “John was also an exceptional and thought-provoking leader in the expansive arena of global energy policy.

“At a practical, industry level, John understood the challenges that must be addressed to make the necessary energy transformation we need for a sustainable future, and was a strong voice for energy industry change, which has helped guide our vision for Rhyolite Ridge.

“He served as a chairman for US Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee, he was a key member of the United States Energy Security Council and founded the not-for-profit Citizens for Affordable Energy, as well as sharing his vast insights and knowledge as a Wrigley Scholar/Executive in Residence in the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University and a lecturer at the University of Houston and at Kansas State University.

“John understood the critical and practical issues that need to be addressed as we transition from today’s fossil-based fuels energy industry to a low carbon emission environment.

“We are forever grateful to this great man’s passion, energy and intelligence that he willingly shared with our company.

“All the members of the board and executive team send their prayers to John’s loving family as they have assuredly lost the love of their lives.”

Story by ProactiveInvestors