5E Advanced Materials: A Strategic Appointment for Board of Directors

5E Advanced Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:FEAM) (ASX:5EA), a boron and lithium company with U.S. government Critical Infrastructure designation for its 5E Boron Americas Complex, has announced the expected appointment of Curtis (Curt) Hébert, Jr. to its board of directors. Subject to the successful completion of the Transaction and out-of-court restructuring discussed below, Hébert's appointment is set to bring extensive expertise in regulatory affairs, law, government relations, and strategic business management to the Company's Board of Directors.

Hébert's appointment aligns with 5E's strategic objectives, particularly in the context of regulatory navigation and strategic execution. With over three decades of experience in the power and energy industry, Hébert has served as a state and federal regulator, energy attorney, and executive business leader. His current role as a partner at Brunini Law Firm, where he represents and advises clients on federal, state, and local regulatory matters across the energy industry, further underscores his valuable expertise.

Notably, Hébert's experience as a presidential appointee and chairman and commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) from 1997 to 2001 equips him with a deep understanding of energy markets and regulatory processes. This experience will be particularly beneficial as 5E seeks to strengthen its balance sheet, fund its next phase of development, and normalize its capital structure through an out-of-court restructuring transaction.

Graham van't Hoff, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the 5E Board, commented on the appointment, stating, "We are excited to welcome Curt to our board at what is an exciting time for our Company and its development. Curt will bring a deep understanding of energy markets, regulatory processes, and strategic execution, and all of these will be applied as we execute our operations and funding strategies. 5E and its shareholders will benefit from Curt's invaluable expertise, leadership, and vision. His substantial experience navigating the regulatory landscape in Washington D.C. aligns seamlessly with the Company's most critical strategic objectives and will help 5E in our commitment to driving sustained and growing shareholder value."



In addition to his directorship at 5E Advanced Materials, Hébert also serves as an independent director on the corporate board of Verde Clean Fuels, Inc. (VGAS) and AleAnna, Inc. (ANNA), further demonstrating his commitment to and expertise in the energy industry.

The pending out-of-court restructuring transaction is crucial for enhancing 5E Advanced Materials' financial stability and future growth prospects. This transaction aims to strengthen the Company's balance sheet, fund its next phase of development, and normalize its capital structure. The transaction is subject to stockholder approval at a special meeting scheduled for March 4, 2025.

Curtis Hébert's appointment to the board of directors, contingent upon the successful completion of the transaction, will bring valuable expertise in regulatory affairs, law, and strategic business management, further strengthening the company's position in the market. His insights into regulatory processes and navigating the regulatory landscape in Washington D.C. align seamlessly with 5E's strategic objectives, and his appointment signals a commitment to strategic execution and long-term value creation for stakeholders.



In conclusion, the expected appointment of Curtis Hébert, Jr. to the board of directors of 5E Advanced Materials is a strategic move that aligns with the company's most critical strategic objectives. His extensive experience in regulatory affairs, law, government relations, and strategic business management will be invaluable as the company executes its operations and funding strategies. The pending out-of-court restructuring transaction is crucial for enhancing the company's financial stability and future growth prospects, and Hébert's appointment, subject to the successful completion of the transaction, will further strengthen the company's position in the market.