Ann: Diplomat and Multi-National Military Negotiator Joins Ionic, page-4

DIPLOMAT AND MULTI-NATIONAL
MILITARY NEGOTIATOR JOINS IONICRE
BOARD
The Board of Ionic Rare Earths Limited (“IonicRE” or “the Company”) (ASX: IXR) is pleased to advise
that as part of its strategy towards increasing its presence in North America, the Company has
appointed Ms. Jill Kelley as an Executive Director to drive engagement with key stakeholders and
potential end-users in the US. The appointment of Ms. Kelley is expected to greatly aid the
progression of key relationships with global groups, including but not limited to those in the US.
Ms. Kelley has previously held roles at the highest levels of international leadership and has played
a crucial role in supporting U.S. military operations spanning over 60 countries, collectively known
as the U.S. Coalition Allies. Ms. Kelley's networks in, and knowledge of, Europe, the Middle East,
Asia, and South and Central America have helped advance American interests during the most
critical points in current history.
As former honorary ambassador to U.S. Central Command General Mattis and CIA Director David
Petraeus, Ms. Kelley met regularly with Royals, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Parliamentarians to
foster military, security, and economic relationships. Ms. Kelley received the Pentagon’s esteemed
Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for her leadership, along with the Multi-National Military Forces Award,
an honour only bestowed upon a few individuals.
As a former diplomat, Ms. Kelley was the youngest appointed Honorary Consul General to South
Korea. Ms. Kelley’s title was bestowed by the President of the Republic of South Korea for her ability
and expertise to influence and advance international security, trade and economic opportunities
including her help in passing the ROK Free Trade Agreement.
In 2017, Ms. Kelley became President of Military Diplomacy Strategies, an international advisory firm
that counsels embassies and advises multi-national companies with an in-depth analysis of
geopolitical challenges with security, trade and economic opportunities across the global community.
In this role, Ms. Kelley made high level introductions, advanced government and corporate relations,
helped execute strategic partnerships and offtakes, and facilitated cross-border relationships on a
global scale.
Chairman Mr. Trevor Benson commented: “On behalf of the Board of IonicRE, I am very pleased to
welcome Ms. Kelley as an Executive Director. We believe that with her extensive experience globally
and within strategic areas of US Government and connections to key industries that require secure
supply of critical commodities (as defined by the US Government) IonicRE has the potential to
become a serious contender in providing end users with rare earths critical to the development of
offshore wind turbine “Green Energy”. Undoubtedly, with IonicRE’s focus on delivering secure supply
of rare earth products to the US, Ms. Kelley will be a valuable addition to the IonicRE team, to negotiate with potential US stakeholders including at high levels within US Government. The addition
of Ms. Kelley will enhance IonicRE’s capacity to deliver secure sustainably sourced supply of rare
earths to the ever-expanding electric vehicle, communications and defence industries.”
Managing Director Mr. Tim Harrison commented: “The appointment of Ms. Kelley is an important
step in further engaging with potential end users and our increased corporate activity within the US.
The Board of IonicRE has always maintained the position that the Makuutu Rare Earth Project is large
enough to have the potential to support multiple strategic partners. Ms. Kelley will greatly assist the
Board of IonicRE to now capitalise on the unique appeal of Makuutu, and formalising partnerships to
enable IonicRE to maximise the value of the basket, specifically the forecast supply constrained
heavy rare earth oxides.”
Newly appointed Executive Director Ms. Jill Kelley commented: “I am pleased to join the prestigious
Board of IonicRE, and I look forward to catalysing IonicRE’s global footprint through strategic
partnerships and public-private ventures to create a scalable and sustainable Rare Earth Element
project during this critical time for the rare earth industry.”
Remuneration
As an Executive Director, Ms. Kelley will be entitled to a consulting fee of US$10,000 per month. No
director’s fees will be paid. In addition, subject to shareholder approval, as a sign-on fee Ms. Kelley
will be issued 3.5 million shares in IonicRE and 3.5 million performance shares which will vest when
IonicRE signs its first offtake agreement/strategic partnership as a result of Ms. Kelley’s introduction.
Authorised for release by the Board of IonicRE.
For enquiries, contact: Mr Tim Harrison
Managing Director
+61 8 9481 2555