Thomas W.

Co-founded and oversee operations for a lithium exploration and processing company advancing Nigeria’s emerging critical-minerals supply chain, inlucding over 12 months of the ground direct managament. PTM is aligned with Nigerian and U.S. government initiatives to promote value-added local processing and strengthen Western supply-chain security. PTM focuses on securing high-grade spodumene deposits and applying dense media separation (DMS) processing to support the global energy transition. •Developed and implemented a minimum-case business model balancing scalability and risk, enabling rapid market entry compared to traditional high-capital, long-duration mining approaches through partnerships with modular-processing experts. •Directed field exploration and mapping programs across Nasarawa State, achieving Li₂O grades exceeding 1.5% in initial samples under independent Qualified Person geological supervision. •Managed exploration logistics, permitting, and stakeholder engagement across more than a year of in-country operations, including extensive government and community relations to ensure project transparency and local support. •Leading preparations for a JORC-compliant feasibility study (final permit pending) targeted for completion in 2026, establishing the foundation for commercial-scale lithium production. •Collaborate with regulators, investors, and technical partners to maintain environmental compliance and ensure alignment with national mineral-development and ESG objectives. •Joined the American Business Council to facilitate US-Nigerian FDI and partnerships.

Green Energy Minerals (GEM) was established to explore, support and develop projects in the critical minerals sector. Thailand: • Contracted by a Canadian mining and mineral processing company to scout and develop business opportunities to trial their novel ultrasound-based processing technology in Thailand. GEM led the Bangkok-based efforts, cultivating connections with government officials, investors, and materials science specialists to support the processing initiative. We secured government backing, identified advantageous tax incentives, secured investor funding, and assembled a scientific team to build a pilot plant using the ultrasound mineral processing technology. Nigeria: • Engaged in the Nigerian mineral sector as an investor and advisor since 2020, initially in tin exploration and processing, later transitioning to lithium. Working closely with geologists and mining professionals we successfully pinpointed and acquired high-grade lithium spodumene mineral licenses. The lithium project (PTM) is currently in the development stage, actively pursuing funding for the drilling program as a spin off of GEM's initial work in Nigeria. General Consulting: organization and strategy for critical mineral companies, reviewing and advising on projects in Guatemala, Madagascar, DRC, and Bolivia. Speaking Engagements: • 2024: Delivered keynote address at the Critical Mineral Conference in Thailand, organized by The American Ceramics Society. Presentation focused on The Importance and Roles of Critical Minerals in the Development of New and Emerging Technologies: Global Perspectives. • 2023: Spoke at a Scientific Conference in Thailand, also hosted by The American Ceramics Society. Presentation centered on The Importance of Critical Minerals in Technology and Low Impact Processing of Critical Minerals.

Provide board-level oversight and corporate strategy for critical-minerals projects, including rare-earth and copper development in the DRC and nickel operations in Guatemala, with on-site project assessments conducted in Madagascar and Guatemala.

Conducted applied geopolitical research for NATO’s Policy Planning Unit, culminating in the paper “The Weaponization of Business Models: China and the Belt and Road Initiative.” •Analyzed the intersection of global trade, infrastructure investment, and geopolitical influence to assess China’s strategic economic models. •Presented findings to senior NATO analysts and defense economists, contributing to policy discussions on hybrid economic competition and international security.

Managed wine procurement, training, and guest experience for a flagship fine-dining venue within Four Seasons Dubai. Directed staff training and curated a five-star wine program for international clientele.

Worked as part of the core team at Travel Appeal, a startup incubated at H-FARM and acquired by Almawave in 2023, specializing in AI, natural language processing, and sentiment analysis, giving me early exposure to what has become today’s AI and LLM revolution. The company focused on driving EU market growth and digital engagement in the hospitality and tourism sectors. •Built and executed cross-border marketing campaigns that strengthened brand visibility and client acquisition across Europe. •Partnered with product and data science teams to translate customer insights into strategic positioning and content direction. •Developed outreach with accelerators and industry partners as Travel Appeal scaled within the H-FARM innovation ecosystem. •Represented Travel Appeal at startup conferences in Vienna, Paris, and Rome, promoting the company’s data-driven marketing and analytics solutions.

Supported the international marketing team within Christie’s Wine Department, collaborating with renowned global wine estates and private collectors to raise auction visibility and client engagement. • Liaised with leading wine estates to develop marketing materials and digital content for high-value auctions and tasting events. • Designed and implemented a business pipeline tracking system that improved client conversion and follow-up efficiency. • Gained advanced certification in wine education, earning WSET Level 3 / 4 (Master of Wine Track) distinction.

Completed a Master of International Relations with concentrations in global diplomacy, international economics, and geopolitical analysis, bridging business strategy with international policy. Conducted a consultancy capstone project with NATO titled “The Weaponization of Business Models: China and the Belt and Road Initiative,” analyzing how economic and commercial frameworks can be leveraged as instruments of geopolitical influence. Coursework included Geopolitics and Diplomacy, International Economics and Business, and Global Governance in Business, providing a comprehensive understanding of how global institutions, trade systems, and development policy shape markets and political outcomes. The program integrated social entrepreneurship, regional studies, and sustainable growth policy, developing expertise in energy transition, global governance, and international negotiation, and preparing for leadership roles at the intersection of government, academia, and industry.

Completed a Master of Business Administration at IE Business School with a focus on strategic management, leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship, tailored for high-level decision-making in international business environments. The program emphasized corporate strategy, financial modeling, and venture creation, developing a strong foundation for scaling and leading organizations across diverse global markets. Participated in the Startup Lab, an intensive hands-on program where I designed a complete business plan for a new venture and collaborated with IBM on real case studies integrating artificial intelligence into startup ecosystems. Coursework included competitive strategy, capital markets, innovation management, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing my ability to align business growth with strategic, financial, and operational objectives.

Graduated with honors from École Hôtelière de Lausanne, the world’s leading business and hospitality management school, with over 100 nationalities represented in the cohort. Developed strong international business acumen through coursework in finance, marketing, and operations management, preparing for leadership roles across global industries. Completed international internships in Switzerland and Hong Kong, gaining experience in both operational and administrative management. Directed a junior consultancy project for the Theodora Foundation, developing and implementing a new charitable fundraising plan. Elected Class Representative, strengthening leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication skills within a highly international environment.