Critica Limited announces the resignation of Managing Director Philippa Leggat, who led key advances in the Jupiter rare earth project. An interim CEO is appointed as the Board begins the search for a permanent successor.
- Philippa Leggat resigns as Managing Director after one year
- Led Jupiter project to Maiden Resource Estimate and metallurgical breakthroughs
- Dr Stuart Owen appointed interim CEO, Jamie Byrde becomes Executive Director
- Board initiates formal search for new CEO/MD
- Leadership change coincides with critical development phase for Jupiter project
Leadership Change at a Pivotal Moment
Critica Limited (ASX: CRI), a key player in Australia's rare earths mining sector, has announced the resignation of its Managing Director, Philippa Leggat, effective 22 May 2025. Leggat's departure comes at a significant juncture for the company, which recently achieved major milestones under her stewardship.
During her year-long tenure as Managing Director, and prior service on the Board, Leggat was instrumental in advancing Critica’s flagship Jupiter project. Notably, the project reached its Maiden Resource Estimate in February 2025, confirming Jupiter as Australia's largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth deposit. This achievement marked a critical validation of the project's potential and positioned Critica prominently within the rare earths sector.
Technical Breakthroughs and Strategic Progress
Alongside the resource milestone, Critica delivered its first metallurgical results, revealing an 830% grade increase. This breakthrough further underscored the Jupiter project's promise and enhanced its attractiveness to investors and industry stakeholders. Leggat’s leadership was widely credited for driving these advances, which have laid a strong foundation for the company’s next development phase.
In response to Leggat’s resignation, the Board has appointed Dr Stuart Owen, the company’s Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager with 19 years of tenure, as interim CEO. This internal appointment suggests a desire for continuity during the leadership transition. Additionally, Jamie Byrde, currently Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, has been elevated to Executive Director to support the management team through this period.
Looking Ahead: Search for New Leadership
The Board has commenced a formal search for a permanent CEO/Managing Director to guide Critica through the next stages of the Jupiter project’s development. While the announcement does not specify the reasons behind Leggat’s resignation or the timeline for appointing a new leader, the company’s focus remains on maintaining momentum.
Investors will be watching closely to see how this leadership change influences Critica’s strategic direction and operational execution. The company’s ability to sustain progress on Jupiter, amid a competitive rare earths market and evolving geopolitical dynamics, will be critical.
Bottom Line?
Critica’s leadership shift marks a new chapter as it seeks to capitalise on Jupiter’s rare earth potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What prompted Philippa Leggat’s resignation at this critical project stage?
- How will the interim leadership impact ongoing development and investor confidence?
- What qualities and strategic priorities will the Board seek in the new CEO?