Amanda Lacaze, the chief executive who guided Lynas Rare Earths from a struggling newcomer to a top-50 ASX firm, has announced she will retire from the role.
A Transformative Tenure Comes to an End
The company informed the Australian Securities Exchange of the leadership change on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. Lacaze will remain in her position as CEO and managing director until the conclusion of the current financial year or until the board secures a suitable successor.
Reflecting on her remarkable 12-year journey, Lacaze expressed deep affection for her time at the helm. "I've loved every day of my 12 years at Lynas," she stated. "It has been a great privilege to lead the company from a troubled startup to an ASX50 company." Her leadership has been pivotal in stabilising and then dramatically expanding the rare earths producer.
Strategic Importance in a Competitive Global Market
Under Lacaze's stewardship, Lynas has grown into a critical player in the global supply chain for rare earths. The company's mining and processing operations, notably its site in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, and its refining facilities in Malaysia, have garnered significant strategic attention. This focus has intensified in recent years as nations, particularly the United States, seek to diversify supply away from China, which dominates the market.
The announcement coincides with a period of strong performance for Lynas shares. The stock last traded at $14.78, marking an impressive surge of nearly 18 per cent over the past month. This rally was partly triggered by China's decision to tighten its exports of rare earths, underscoring the volatile and geopolitically charged nature of the commodity market.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Lacaze's departure marks the end of an era for Lynas, which now faces the challenge of maintaining its momentum under new leadership. Her legacy is a company firmly established as a major, non-Chinese source of rare earths—materials essential for high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and defence applications.
The board's upcoming search for a new chief executive will be closely watched by investors and industry analysts alike, as Lynas navigates an increasingly competitive and strategically vital sector.
