Raj Surendran joined Tianqi Lithium’s Kwinana operation in 2019 as General Manager Finance. In September 2021 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the newly formed Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia (TLEA) joint venture and was appointed CEO on 19 October 2022. Raj is a highly experienced senior executive with over 20 years of finance, business development, strategy, project management, and commercial leadership experience in Australia.
Greg Jason joined TLEA as CFO in 2024, and brings over 20 years of diverse financial experience, including roles as Interim CFO at Pilbara Minerals and CFO of Austal Limited, along with a background in automotive and resources sectors. Greg holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors from the University of Melbourne and CPA Australia membership. His extensive expertise drives financial excellence and strategic growth at TLEA.
Chris Tylich joined TLEA in 2021 and has over 25 years of experience working in the resources, logistics, processing and aviation industries and as a lawyer in private practice. He is responsible for the provision of legal and corporate governance advice and managing the risk function for the TLEA group companies.
Wendy Chow, who joined TLEA in 2022 as Manager Commercial and Business Excellence and later became Manager Supply Chain, brings over 25 years of experience in the rail and energy sectors. Wendy oversees procurement, warehouse, and logistics to enhance efficiencies, prevent shortages, and improve profitability.
Mark Constance was appointed to the role of Group Manager HSEQ in 2022. He is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the systems and procedures that keep TLEA’s team members safe, while also preventing harm to the environment. Mark is also tasked with meeting the requirements of our clients’ contracts, WHS obligations, legal and statutory requirements, and compliance.
Paolo De Nardi heads the Corporate Development Department at TLEA, specialising in Australian and international lithium investments. With over 20 years of experience in the resources sector, including power and oil & gas, he excels in complex roles with multiple stakeholders. Paolo's expertise ensures TLEA's success in the lithium industry. His qualifications include an MBA in Finance, a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, and graduation from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
As Manager Corporate Affairs, Sharon Iannello is responsible for the protection of TLEA’s company reputation, ensuring we live up to our culture and corporate brand. With over 25 years’ experience as a journalist and communications professional, Sharon manages TLEA’s internal and external communication and events, media, government and community relations, community partnerships, and brand presence.
As GM Operations, Erik Laurent is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of our refinery to produce LHM and by-products, as well as meeting targets on safety, volume, and costs. Erik is a Chemical Engineer, with significant operational experience gained over 27 years working in Lithium, Nickel, Copper, Gold and Alumina, both in Australia and abroad in Laos, Peru, and Kazakhstan. Eric holds an MBA and a Diploma in Project Management.
Sarah has over 20 years’ experience predominately in the resources industry, specialising in human resources. Appointed as the Head of HR in 2021, she is the driving force behind TLEA’s people and culture strategy. Sarah’s expertise lies in aligning organisational goals with effective HR practices to ensure TLEA has a talented and engaged workforce to deliver on its strategy.
Jens Radanovic has over 20 years’ experience in various commodities in the minerals processing, material handling, infrastructure, and commercial projects, working for owners, consulting firms, OEMs, and contractors. As Head of Projects, Jens is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and management for major projects to achieve safe and successful delivery. This entails the full project life cycle from concept and feasibility studies, through to execution, construction, commissioning, and handover to operations.
