Critica Limited has announced a major management change following the resignation of Managing Director Philippa Leggat, effective 22 May 2025. Ms Leggat, who was with the Company for just over a year, played a pivotal role in advancing Critica’s flagship Jupiter project. Her leadership led to the milestone Maiden Resource Estimate in February 2025, establishing Jupiter as Australia’s largest and highest-grade clay-hosted rare earth deposit, while also delivering striking metallurgical results with an 830% grade increase. In response to this departure, the Board has appointed Dr Stuart Owen, the long-serving Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager with nearly two decades of expertise, as the interim Chief Executive Officer. Jamie Byrde, the current Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, will be elevated to an Executive Director role to aid in the transition. The Board is actively initiating a formal search for a new CEO/Managing Director who will guide Critica’s next phase of development, particularly the growth of the Jupiter project. From a bullish perspective, the strong progress on the Jupiter project, marked by key technical milestones and impressive metallurgical upgrades, reflects substantial resource potential and could drive significant value for the company and its shareholders. Moreover, the appointment of experienced leaders to interim roles may help ensure operational stability and continuity during the transition. Conversely, the leadership change introduces a level of uncertainty that may concern risk-averse investors. The resignation of a forward-driving Managing Director, despite the successes achieved during her tenure, will necessitate careful monitoring as the search for a permanent leader unfolds, with attention to how seamlessly this transition is managed in the near term.