Highlights
Pilbara Minerals names Flavio Garofalo as interim chief financial officer
Leadership shift follows recent resignation of former CFO Luke Bortoli
Company initiates global search for permanent replacement
Australia’s critical minerals sector has seen a fresh leadership development as Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS), a lithium-focused company listed on the ASX 100 and ASX 200, announced a key interim appointment. The company has elevated Flavio Garofalo, its current group financial controller, to the position of interim chief financial officer.
The transition comes shortly after the resignation of Luke Bortoli earlier this month. Pilbara Minerals confirmed the commencement of a formal process to identify and appoint a permanent CFO to lead the company’s financial operations into its next phase of growth.
Garofalo Steps Up After Experience in Top-Tier Mining Firms
Flavio Garofalo joined Pilbara Minerals in early 2023, bringing experience in financial governance and commercial operations from previous roles in the mining industry. Before his tenure at Pilbara, he served as commercial manager at Fortescue, one of Australia's major iron ore producers.
His elevation to the interim CFO role positions him at the forefront of financial strategy during a time when lithium producers are navigating global supply chain shifts and increasing pressure to support the energy transition. His familiarity with the company’s financial systems and operational context is expected to contribute to continuity during the ongoing transition.
Search for Permanent CFO Underway
Pilbara Minerals has initiated a search for a long-term chief financial officer, engaging in a structured process to attract experienced candidates with a strong background in financial leadership within the energy and resources sector. The company has not yet disclosed a timeline for the permanent appointment.
Leadership stability remains a key focus as the company advances its lithium operations amid heightened global demand. With the sector playing a crucial role in powering battery technologies, maintaining robust financial oversight is seen as integral to operational resilience and project execution.
Strategic Focus Maintained Amid Executive Realignment
Despite changes in the executive team, Pilbara Minerals continues to emphasize strategic objectives tied to lithium production and development. As part of the broader battery minerals ecosystem, the company remains active in leveraging its core assets in Western Australia.
The appointment of an experienced interim CFO ensures that Pilbara’s financial and reporting functions remain aligned with its operational priorities while broader executive decisions are finalized. The leadership team, supported by Garofalo’s industry acumen, is expected to maintain business continuity during the transitional phase.