Our Leadership team

At Covalent Lithium, we are proud to be working together to achieve a cleaner energy future through renewable energy storage.

We are passionate about what we do and are committed to our shared values of purpose, care, accountability and collaboration. These values are driven by our leadership team and are integrated into core ways of working and engaging.

Ryan Hair 
Chief Executive Officer

Ryan brings a diverse background in engineering, operations, finance, project management, advanced analytics, strategic planning and technology development spanning over 27 years.

Ryan’s most recent role was General Manager, leading the Ammonia and Ammonium Nitrate business unit at Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers. Ryan's unique skillset bridges business, finance and technical teams to deliver predictable, high-quality results for Covalent.

Ryan holds a degree in electrical engineering, a Masters in Applied Finance and has completed the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program.

Ross Martelli
Project Director

Ross has significant project and operations management experience in senior roles spanning over 38 years. Ross's most recent role was Director of Major Projects for WesCEF. He has held several positions within WesCEF and CSBP, including various project management, chemical, commercial and production management roles. Ross was also appointed to the CSBP and WesCEF boards in 2006 and 2010, respectively, and has been a Director for both joint venture businesses AGR and QNP.

Ross holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Institute of Technology, a Masters of Business from Curtin University, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.

Ric Colgan
Chief Financial Officer

Ric is a commercially focused finance leader with 20 years’ experience across a range of industries. Ric’s most recent role was that of Chief Financial Officer with WesCEF; prior to this, he was a member of the Wesfarmers Business Development team and was involved in several significant corporate transactions. Ric is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment.

Albert Romano
General Manager, Refinery

Albert is an experienced senior manager with more than 30 years experience across a number of integrated production businesses, each with a unique market positioning. Albert originally joined Covalent as Manager Commissioning and Technical and was heavily involved in the design of the refinery. Prior to joining Covalent, Albert held senior roles in WesCEF over 30 years.

Albert is president of the Kwinana Industries Council, of which he has been a board member for the past 12 years. Albert holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Peter Firth
General Manager, Health Safety, Environment, Community (HSEC)

Peter is a dynamic and motivated safety leader with a strong network of Indigenous connections. He has guided and supported management teams, motivated and educated operational personnel and built trust and consensus with external stakeholders during his time as a consultant and working directly for Rio Tinto.

Peter holds a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

Ian Austin
General Manager, Mt Holland Operations

Ian Austin is a highly skilled and experienced senior operational management professional. With expertise in business and operations management, business planning, resource management, risk management, staff leadership, and maintenance management, Ian’s career spans the mining, industrial services, OEM, and marine industries.

As General Manager Mt Holland Operations, Ian's advanced knowledge of management principles and systems, combined with practical application of business and management theories, ensures the efficient operation of our Mt Holland mine and concentrator.

Amanda Stewart
General Manager, People and Culture

Amanda is an experienced Human Resources leader with diverse industry experience, commencing her career within Resources and Engineering before more recently holding senior leadership roles within WA Health, Higher Education, and Woolworths Limited.

Amanda brings significant change leadership and transformation experience, with a strong ability to build relationships that enable collaboration with business leaders to design and implement effective people strategies to support business outcomes in complex organisations.

Elana Williams
General Manager, Technical

Elana is a proactive technical leader with experience in the mining, mineral processing, and chemical industries. Her career spans roles in operations, consulting, and business development, showcasing her versatility and expertise.

Elana’s most recent role was in Business Development within Wesfarmers Chemical, Energy, and Fertilisers. Her responsibilities included the technical, operational, and commercial assessment and execution of growth opportunities for the division. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in representing Wesfarmers’ shareholder interests in Covalent, collaborating closely with Covalent and SQM representatives from the project’s inception in 2019.

Elana holds a degree in Chemical Engineering.

James Markey
Manager, Project, Refinery

James is an experienced, versatile and collaborative leader in the engineering and construction industry. James has extensive project execution and management experience in mining and metals, with a diverse background in major projects delivery spanning Australia, Asia and Africa.

Before Covalent, James' most recent role was Project Manager, leading the delivery of a major Iron Ore project in Western Australia; he was involved in all aspects of the project from the study phase to handover and production ramp-up.

Annabel Hardy
Manager, Legal

Annabel has a range of legal experience across multiple areas of the law in both private practice and in-house. She has appeared in the Warden’s Court, Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court, and Supreme Court of Appeal. 

Annabel is passionate about the practice of law, particularly construction law. Commercially savvy and detail-oriented, Annabel works closely with the team across the business to deliver the best results for Covalent.

Annabel holds a Master of Construction Law from Melbourne Law School, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Notre Dame Fremantle, and multiple other qualifications from some of Australia’s leading universities.