USA Rare Earth Names Barbara Humpton as CEO, Former Siemens USA President and CEO to Lead Company

USA Rare Earth has appointed Barbara Humpton as CEO, replacing Josh Ballard. Humpton has extensive experience in managing complex, technology-driven organizations in critical infrastructure and national defense industries. She previously served as President and CEO of Siemens USA and has a proven track record of growing companies. Humpton will focus on developing a domestic supply chain for rare earth minerals and magnets, positioning USA Rare Earth as a leader in the industry.

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) has appointed Barbara Humpton as the new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Josh Ballard. Humpton's appointment takes effect on October 1, 2025, and she will also serve on USAR’s Board of Directors. This move comes at a time of significant growth and opportunity for the company, which is focused on developing a domestic supply chain for rare earth minerals and magnets.

Humpton brings extensive experience in managing complex, technology-driven organizations, particularly in critical infrastructure and national defense industries. She most recently served as President and CEO of Siemens USA, where she developed organic initiatives and integrated numerous large acquisitions to grow the company into one of North America's largest and most recognizable industrial companies, with revenues exceeding $20 billion. Before joining Siemens in 2011, Humpton held senior positions at Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for USAR as Barbara becomes our next CEO,” said Michael Blitzer, Chairman of USA Rare Earth. “Barbara is a transformational and visionary leader who joins USAR at a time of incredible opportunity and growth. In her 14 years at Siemens, most recently as CEO of Siemens USA, Barbara developed organic initiatives and integrated numerous large acquisitions to grow it into one of North America’s largest and most recognizable industrial companies with more than $20 billion of revenues.”

Humpton's background includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). She has also held positions on the boards of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), and the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. Prior to her appointment at Siemens, she served on the Board of Directors of Triumph Group until its acquisition in 2025 by Warburg Pincus and Berkshire Partners.

Josh Ballard, who will remain with the company in a consulting capacity through October 31, 2025, has contributed significantly to USA Rare Earth. Blitzer expressed his gratitude for Ballard's contributions and looks forward to working with Humpton and the talented leadership team to deliver on the company's vision of becoming the leading supplier of critical rare earth minerals and magnets.

Humpton's appointment underscores USA Rare Earth's commitment to securing a domestic supply chain for rare earth minerals and magnets, a critical component for national and global security. The company's mine-to-magnet supply chain strategy, anchored by mining rights to a domestic deposit rich in valuable heavy rare earth elements, unique metal-making know-how, and one of the largest magnet production facilities under construction outside of China, positions USA Rare Earth as a leader in this industry.

About USA Rare Earth
USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR) is developing a rare earth sintered neo magnet (“NdFeB” or “neo”) manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The company aims to establish domestic rare earth and critical minerals supply, extraction, and processing capabilities to both supply its magnet manufacturing plant and market surplus materials to third parties. Rare earth magnets are critical to various business sectors and industries, including defense, automotive, aviation, industrial, AI Robotics, medical, and consumer electronics industries, among others. USAR is planning to take a broad approach to the industries it serves with the intention of providing high-quality neo magnets to a variety of industries and customers. USAR’s focus on developing domestic rare earth production aligns with national priorities, offering the potential of a sustainable and secure domestic supply of materials critical to key industries.