Veracity Worldwide is pleased to announce that Ellen Lenny-Pessagno has joined the firm as a senior advisor. A former US diplomat and Albemarle executive who lived and worked for over 20 years in Latin America and Europe, Ellen brings a wealth of global experience in critical minerals, energy, sustainability, and strategic government engagement. In her new role, Ellen will focus on developing Veracity’s strategic partnerships and initiatives while advising clients on critical minerals and energy.

Prior to joining Veracity, Ellen served as Albemarle’s vice president for global external affairs and sustainability and as a member of the Energy Storage (Lithium) Global Business Unit leadership team. Ellen led the external affairs team to secure $310 million in US government grants and ensured governmental support and social license to operate in Chile, China, Australia, the US, Europe, and Argentina. She also jointly developed and implemented the business unit’s growth strategy within challenging market and geopolitical contexts. While country manager in Chile, Ellen led a dispute resolution strategy and negotiation with the Chilean government, successfully averting arbitration and potential revocation of Albemarle’s contract to extract lithium there.

Ellen is a frequent speaker at leading international forums, including the United Nations Global Compact Leadership Summit, where she addresses topics such as critical minerals, sustainability, and community engagement. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named one of the “100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” (2020) and Executive of the Year by the Antofagasta Industrial Association in Chile (2021).

Before joining Albemarle, Ellen served as a US diplomat, holding senior posts across Latin America and in Spain. Her diplomatic work focused on driving policy changes to increase international trade and providing strategic advice to US exporters and American companies operating overseas.