Latrobe Magnesium names Robert Stein as new CEO

Latrobe Magnesium has appointed resources industry veteran Robert Stein as its new Chief Executive Officer, with Stein joining the company on 14 September 2026 in a transition capacity before formally taking over on 1 October.

He will succeed Managing Director and CEO David Paterson, who is retiring on 30 September after almost two decades with the company. Paterson will remain available as a consultant if required, according to media reports.

Strategic review ahead

Stein's immediate priority will be a review of Latrobe Magnesium's financial position, funding needs, commercial strategy, organisational capability and capital projects.

The review will focus on the company's pathway to commercial-scale magnesium production, with outcomes to be reported to the market.

“Building on the lessons learned to date, my focus will be fostering a culture of planning and accountability, disciplined execution and continuous improvement,” Stein said.

Two decades of resources experience

Stein brings around 20 years of experience across technical, financial and commercial roles in the resources sector.

He spent almost a decade at BHP, followed by a strategy, planning and evaluation role at MMG. He later joined Macquarie Group, where he led its Resources Research franchise and covered the Australian mining and metals sector.

His appointment comes as Latrobe Magnesium advances its magnesium Demonstration Plant in Victoria's Latrobe Valley and prepares for the next phase of development.

Focus on magnesium supply

Stein said the opportunity to develop an independent magnesium supply chain was a key reason for joining the company.

“I joined LMG because independent primary magnesium supply outside China is, by any reasonable assessment, one of the widest gaps in Western critical minerals, and one of the least contested,” Stein said.

Latrobe Magnesium is currently constructing the pyrometallurgical section of its Demonstration Plant, which is intended to enable magnesium metal production. The company also plans a 10,000-tonne-per-year commercial plant in Victoria.