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On July 17, 2026, Champion Electric Metals Inc. (CSE: LTHM) announced that Jonathan Buick has officially resumed his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following a full recovery from health issues that caused his departure in August 2025. Concurrently, the company appointed Hatem Kawar, P. Eng, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding the retiring Donna McLean. These leadership changes signify a pivotal governance update for the exploration-stage metals company as it moves into its next growth phase.
Key Highlights
- Jonathan Buick returns as President and CEO of Champion Electric Metals Inc. (CSE: LTHM) effective immediately.
- Buick had stepped down in August 2025 due to health concerns and has now fully recovered.
- Interim President and CEO Nicholas Konkin led the company during Buick's absence, reinforcing the company’s foundation and financial stability.
- Hatem Kawar, with 20 years of CFO and controller experience in Canadian public mining companies, appointed as new Chief Financial Officer.
- Donna McLean retired after a distinguished career as CFO and Controller for multiple public and private companies.
- Champion Electric operates copper, gold, and cobalt exploration assets in Idaho, including the wholly owned Champagne polymetallic project near Arco.
Jonathan Buick Resumes Leadership at Champion Electric After Health Recovery
Champion Electric Metals Inc. confirmed the immediate reinstatement of Jonathan Buick as President and Chief Executive Officer following his full recovery from health issues that led to his August 2025 departure. The July 17, 2026 announcement marks a key leadership transition for the company, which focuses on copper, gold, and cobalt exploration projects in Idaho.
Buick expressed appreciation for the Board, management, and shareholders for their support during his absence and acknowledged the efforts of interim CEO Nicholas Konkin and outgoing CFO Donna McLean, highlighting a smooth and collaborative transition.
Interim CEO Nicholas Konkin Strengthened Company Foundations
During Buick’s absence, the Board appointed Nicholas Konkin as Interim President and CEO to maintain company stability. Under Konkin’s leadership, Champion Electric completed foundational initiatives and improved its financial position, preparing the company for future growth opportunities in the metals sector.
The Board and management publicly thanked Konkin for his role in stabilizing the company, indicating this was a planned leadership transition rather than an abrupt change.
Hatem Kawar Joins as Chief Financial Officer
Champion Electric appointed Hatem Kawar, P. Eng, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Kawar brings 20 years of experience in financial leadership roles within Canadian public mining companies, along with international project management expertise in industrial minerals, including operations in Saudi Arabia.
Kawar’s extensive background in financial reporting, controls, and governance aligns with Champion Electric’s focus on exploration and growth, supporting the company’s multi-exchange listings and operational expansion.
Donna McLean Retires After Distinguished Career
Donna McLean retired as CFO following Kawar’s appointment. McLean had an extensive career managing financial reporting, internal controls, and corporate secretarial duties across numerous public and private companies. The company publicly thanked McLean for her valuable contributions and wished her well in retirement.
This leadership change reflects a planned succession strategy with both executives possessing significant public company finance expertise.
Champion Electric’s Asset Portfolio and Market Presence
Champion Electric is a discovery-focused exploration company operating copper, gold, and cobalt properties in Idaho, USA. Its flagship asset is the 100%-owned Champagne polymetallic project located near Arco in Butte County. The company also holds the Baner gold project in Idaho County, currently optioned to Legacy Gold Mines Ltd, along with substantial claims in the Idaho Cobalt Belt region.
The company’s shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the ticker "LTHM", OTC Markets as "CHELF", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "1QB0", offering liquidity across diverse investor markets.
Board and Shareholder Endorse Leadership Transition
The Board’s support for Buick’s return and the interim leadership during his absence reflect a coordinated approach to ensuring leadership continuity and company stability. Buick expressed optimism about the company’s future, stating he is "energized and ready to get back to work" to drive growth and shareholder value.
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility and Community Engagement
Champion Electric emphasizes responsible environmental stewardship and active community involvement, employing local workers and service providers wherever possible. This commitment aligns with industry best practices and supports regulatory and social license requirements critical for exploration and mining projects.
Forward-Looking Statements and Regulatory Cautions
The announcement includes standard cautionary language regarding forward-looking statements, noting assumptions made by management and the inherent uncertainties involved. It also clarifies that projects remain at an early exploration stage and that scientific or technical information from third parties has not been independently verified, in compliance with Canadian securities regulations.
Market Reaction to Leadership Changes Not Yet Evident
The immediate impact of the leadership announcements on Champion Electric’s share price was not disclosed. Investors are likely monitoring whether Buick’s return and Kawar’s appointment signal operational and governance stability, which could influence the company’s valuation in the exploration sector.
