Brussels, Belgium – 23 September 2025 – The Rare Earth Industry Association (“REIA” or the “Association”) today announced the start of an exciting new chapter, with the appointment of Dr. Benjamin Davies as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and the launch of a comprehensive strategic review to guide the Association’s strategy and priorities for the next five years.

Effective 22 September 2025, Dr. Davies succeeds Dr. Gareth Hatch, who has led REIA as interim CEO since January 2025, and who will revert back to his previous role of Strategic Advisor to the Association.

Dr. Hatch commented, “We are delighted that Ben has agreed to join REIA to lead our Operations Team as we begin the process of shaping ‘REIA 2.0’ – our vision for the Association and its members for the next five years. Ben has more than 20 years of proven leadership, engagement, and strategic-thinking skills along with the ability to translate strategy into practical, implementable initiatives”.

Dr. Davies previously led circular-economy and materials-stewardship programs at CRH, the world’s largest materials provider for the built environment, and at Anglo American, a leading global diversified mining and metals company. The first part of his career was spent on environmental and materials-stewardship initiatives with the International Council on Mining and Metals (“ICMM“), the leading global industry association for the mining and metals industry, formed to advance good practice and influence policy around sustainable development.

A two-time graduate of the University of Birmingham, Dr. Davies holds a B.Sc. in physics and a Ph.D. in materials science, with research work focused on process optimization for rare-earth alloys for permanent magnets.

“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at REIA”, said Dr. Davies. “Returning to an industry about which I am deeply passionate is an exciting challenge, and I am eager to contribute to its growth and success. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated members and stakeholders to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver on our aim to create a more transparent, sustainable and integrated value chain for rare earths”.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Davies as Chief Executive Officer of the Association. Ben brings not only proven leadership but also deep critical-minerals industry insight and a global perspective – most necessary at a time when rare earths are at the centre of industrial transformation. His appointment marks a new chapter for REIA, strengthening our role as the global advocate for the advancements of rare-earth assets and partnerships that strengthen the entire value chain.” said Vasileios Tsianos, the Association’s Board Chair. He added that “on behalf of the Board and our members, I extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Gareth Hatch for his leadership and dedication to REIA, and his steady stewardship in this transformational phase for our organization, advancing collaboration across industry, academia, and policymakers. His contributions ensured REIA continued as a trusted platform at the heart of critical-minerals dialogue worldwide.”

Dr. Davies will work closely with Mr. Tsianos and REIA’s Board in the implementation the strategic-review process. The initiative will actively engage Association members, industry partners, and stakeholders to ensure that REIA’s programs, advocacy, and services are aligned with emerging opportunities and challenges.

Mr. Tsianos commented, “REIA is launching a 5-year strategic plan review to sharpen our vision, strengthen collaboration, and to deepen member engagement. This process will chart the path for the Association’s next stage of growth as the trusted global voice of the rare-earth industry”.

The strategic-planning initiative will take place over the coming months, with opportunities for members to contribute through surveys, forums, and focus groups. The new five-year plan is expected to be finalized and launched in December 2025.

About the Rare Earth Industry Association (REIA)
The Rare Earth Industry Association (“REIA” or the “Association”) is a global, Belgium-based not-for-profit organization founded in 2019. REIA’s mission is to serve, promote and advance the sustainable development of the global rare-earth-element (“REE”) value chain. The Association’s more than 70 members are drawn from across the entire REE value chain, including public and private companies, research and academic institutions, government entities, policy makers and other stakeholders. REIA provides its members with a platform for networking and benchmarking; for making their voice heard by policy makers, regulators, and other key stakeholders; for finding potential partners and collaborators; for accessing and sharing data, information, and best practices; and gaining visibility and highlighting their engagement towards a more sustainable supply chain.

Contact:
Alexandra Cristina Donea
Office & Communications Administrator
Rare Earth Industry Association
+32-471-53-39-34
info@global-reia.org

www.global-reia.org