The global demand for critical minerals to accommodate modern technology, and even our economic and national security, continues to grow. The sources are limited, the supply chain is ever-modifying and the shifting geopolitical situation poses the question for us: How do we ensure our counattempt is in an advantageous position?
Please join Columbia World Affairs Council, in partnership with USC’s Folks Center for International Business for “Securing Critical Minerals: Navigating Geopolitics, Policy & Community Dynamics for a Resilient Supply Chain” with Darla Moore School of Business Sonoco Visiting Fellow Ellen Lenny-Pessagno, former Global Vice President for External Affairs & Sustainability, Albemarle Corporation; Senior Advisor, Veracity Worldwide.
About the Speaker:
Ellen Lenny-Pessagno is a former US diplomat and Albemarle executive, and has recently joined Veracity Worldwide, a consulting firm specializing in risk management, market identification and enattempt, in-counattempt operations, and market exit. Ellen’s focus will be developing Veracity’s strategic partnerships and initiatives while advising clients on critical minerals and energy.
Ellen lived and worked for over 20 years in Latin America and Europe, and brings a wealth of global experience in international trade policy, critical minerals, energy, sustainability, and strategic government engagement. Prior to joining Veracity, Ellen served as Albemarle’s vice president for global external affairs and sustainability and as a member of the Energy Storage (Lithium) Global Business Unit leadership team. Ellen led the external affairs team to secure $310 million in US government grants and ensured governmental support and social license to operate in Chile, China, Australia, the US, Europe, and Argentina. She also jointly developed and implemented the business unit’s growth strategy within challenging market and geopolitical contexts. While counattempt manager in Chile, Ellen led a dispute resolution strategy and neobtainediation with the Chilean government, successfully averting arbitration and potential revocation of Albemarle’s contract to extract lithium there.
Before joining Albemarle, Ellen served as a US diplomat and Senior Commercial Officer, holding posts in US Embassies across Latin America and in Spain. Her work focutilized on driving policy alters to increase international trade and providing strategic advice to US exporters and American companies operating overseas.
Ellen is a frequent speaker at leading international forums, including the United Nations Global Compact Leadership Summit, where she addresses topics such as critical minerals, sustainability, and community engagement. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” (2020) and Executive of the Year by the Antofagasta Industrial Association in Chile (2021).
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