Derick Schroeder
Chief Executive Officer
"Lithium demand is already high and is growing year over year. Over the next 10-20 years, lithium will be the most important natural resource in the world. As our society transitions to a fully sustainable future, Lithium Energy will tackle the hardest problems for the production of lithium and many aspects of energy storage."
Derick Schroeder founded Lithium Energy in 2001 and is the acting Chairman and CEO. He is responsible for all aspects of building the company into a world leader in clean energy technologies, and specifically lithium production. Under his leadership, Lithium Energy has developed cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving lithium extraction and refinery. The company has secured over 120 patents and embarked on major projects like Project Black Giant™ in Chile, a large-scale lithium mining operation, and Project Lonestar™ Lithium in the Smackover region, aimed at building the largest lithium production plant in the United States.
Derick’s background is one of serial entrepreneurship, innovation, investing, and philanthropy. He has been investing in public sector energy assets and sustainable technologies since 2013 with a flagship investment in Tesla. Prior to Lithium Energy, in 2010 he started an entertainment business highlighted by a #1 iTunes artist release. In 2012, Derick founded Innovation Factory, a venture capital fund focused on tech, life sciences, real estate, and consumer products. Derick has been featured both personally and professionally in esteemed outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNBC. He is widely recognized as a leading expert in lithium, the clean energy transition, and the development of disruptive technologies.
Derick is an alumnus of University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business receiving his BA in Entrepreneurship, and went on to complete the Executive Program in exponential technology including artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology at Singularity University.
Sarah Chen
Chief Technology Officer
Former research director at MIT with expertise in battery technology and materials science. Leads our R&D initiatives.
Michael Rodriguez
Chief Operations Officer
20+ years in mining operations and sustainable resource management. Oversees all production facilities.
Emily Watson
Chief Sustainability Officer
Environmental scientist focused on sustainable mining practices and community engagement programs.
James Kim
Chief Financial Officer
Investment banking background with expertise in energy sector financing and strategic partnerships.
Lisa Thompson
VP of Research & Development
PhD in Materials Science, leading our battery innovation and next-generation technology development.
Robert Martinez
VP of Global Operations
Manages international projects and ensures operational excellence across all our facilities worldwide.