CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), the world’s largest producer of lithium for rechargeable batteries, announced a key leadership change on Monday, stating that Chief Operating Officer Netha Johnson will be leaving the company.
Mark Mummert, a company veteran who has been with Albemarle since 2019 and most recently served as head of its supply chain logistics, will step into the role of operating chief.
The company did not provide a specific timeline for Johnson’s exit. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Albemarle declined to provide a reason for the departure.
Johnson joined the Charlotte-based chemical giant in 2018. In addition to his role at Albemarle, he serves on the board of electric utility Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) and was previously an executive at 3M.
The leadership transition comes as Albemarle navigates strong global demand for its core product. Lithium is a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. Earlier this month, the company reported a surprise second-quarter profit, citing sustained demand for the essential battery metal.
The promotion of Mummert, an internal candidate with deep experience in the company’s logistics and supply chain, signals a focus on operational continuity as Albemarle continues to scale its production to meet the needs of the growing clean energy market.
