Wesfarmers Limited announced that Ian Hansen, Managing Director of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) has advised of his intention to retire in November 2024. Mr. Hansen will remain with WesCEF and Wesfarmers in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition and provide ongoing support on key projects, including the Group's lithium business, where he will remain Chairman of Covalent Lithium. Mr. Hansen will be succeeded by Aaron Hood, WesCEF's Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to his current role Mr. Hood held other senior executive positions within the Group, including Chief Financial Officer of WesCEF and Executive General Manager of Business Development at Wesfarmers. He is also a director of the Covalent Lithium joint venture. Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said Mr. Hood's skills and experience made him a logical successor to Mr. Hansen.

Mr. Hood has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of WesCEF effective 2 May 2024 and will also retain responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer until he commences as the Managing Director of WesCEF in November 2024.