International Battery Metals names Bender interim CEO
The transition leaves Mr. Bender in both engineering and interim CEO roles, while James Garrett Galloway continues as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.
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Rhea-AI Filing Summary
International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBATF) appointed Donald E. Bender, its Vice President of Technology & Engineering, as Interim Chief Executive Officer effective October 26, 2026; he will continue in his existing role. James Garrett Galloway ceased serving as Interim CEO that day and continues as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.
The Board approved additional cash compensation for Bender at an annualized rate of $100,000, payable in equal monthly installments of approximately $8,333 for each month he serves as Interim CEO. This is in addition to his current annual salary, which includes cash of $265,000 per year, and a bonus at the Board’s discretion. Galloway’s additional compensation for serving as Interim CEO, also at an annualized rate of $100,000, ceased effective October 26, 2026.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
annualized rate financial
direct lithium extraction technical
lithium chloride technical
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act
Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Appointment of Interim Chief Executive Officer
On October 26, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of International Battery Metals Ltd. (the “Company”) appointed Donald E. Bender, the Company's Vice President of Technology & Engineering, as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective October 26, 2026. Mr. Bender will continue to serve as Vice President of Technology & Engineering. James Garrett Galloway, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 27, 2026, ceased to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer effective October 26, 2026, and will continue to serve as the Company's Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. In connection with this transition, the additional cash compensation that Mr. Galloway received for his service as Interim Chief Executive Officer, at an annualized rate of $100,000, ceased effective October 26, 2026.
Mr. Bender, age 50, has served as the Company's Vice President of Technology & Engineering since November 2025, and previously served as the Company's Director of Technology & Engineering from November 2024 until November 2025. He has over 20 years of experience in chemical process engineering and capital project execution, including the development of direct lithium extraction technology. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Bender was an independent contract consultant from January 2024 until November 2024, served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Candle Lithium from May 2023 until January 2024, and as Research, Development & Engineering Manager at Prairie Lithium from October 2021 until May 2023, where he led development of that company's proprietary direct lithium extraction technology. Earlier in his career, he held process engineering leadership roles on major energy projects for ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil, PetroChina Canada and Suncor Energy/Petro-Canada. Mr. Bender holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
In connection with his appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer, the Board approved cash compensation for Mr. Bender at an annualized rate of $100,000, payable in equal monthly installments of approximately $8,333 for each month he serves in that capacity, effective October 26, 2026, in addition to his current annual salary which includes cash of $265,000 per year, and a bonus at the discretion of the board. for Mr. Bender. This compensation is in addition to the compensation Mr. Bender receives in his role as Vice President of Technology & Engineering.
There are no family relationships between Mr. Bender and any director or executive officer of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Bender and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer. There are no transactions between the Company and Mr. Bender that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 7.01 — Regulation FD Disclosure.
On October 26, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the leadership transition described in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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Press Release issued by International Battery Metals Ltd., dated October 27, 2026 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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International Battery Metals LTD.
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/s/ Michael Rutledge |
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October 27, 2026 |
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Michael Rutledge |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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INTERNATIONAL BATTERY METALS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Donald E. Bender, Vice President of Technology & Engineering, Named Interim CEO; Garrett Galloway to Focus on Corporate Development and Commercial Transactions
VANCOUVER, BC, AND HOUSTON, TX / October 27, 2026 - International Battery Metals Ltd. ("IBAT" or the "Company") (TSXV: IBAT | OTCQB: IBATF), an advanced technology provider of modular direct lithium extraction (MDLE) systems, today announced the appointment of Donald E. Bender, Vice President of Technology & Engineering, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Bender will continue to serve as Vice President of Technology & Engineering. Garrett Galloway, who has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 27, 2026, will return to his role as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, where he will focus on advancing project partnerships, commercial agreements and financing initiatives.
John Burba, Chairman of International Battery Metals, commented:
"We are continuing to pursue project opportunities across several global regions. As these opportunities advance, our partners' focus is increasingly on technical diligence and project execution, and the Board believes today’s announcement aligns our leadership with that stage of the business. Don's deep knowledge of our MDLE technology and engineering process positions him well to lead the Company, while Garrett can dedicate his full attention to the partner and counterparty discussions he has led. The priorities and initiatives established over the past several months remain unchanged, and we believe that we have the team in place to capitalize on these opportunities.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Garrett for his leadership as Interim CEO over the past three months, and we look forward to his continued contributions in corporate development."
Mr. Bender joined the Company in November 2024 as Director of Technology & Engineering and has served as Vice President of Technology & Engineering since November 2025. He has over 20 years of experience in chemical process engineering and capital project execution, including the development of direct lithium extraction technology. Prior to IBAT, Mr. Bender served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Candle Lithium and as Research, Development & Engineering Manager at Prairie Lithium, where he led development of that company's proprietary DLE technology. Earlier in his career, he held process engineering leadership roles on major energy projects for ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil, PetroChina Canada and Suncor Energy/Petro-Canada. Mr. Bender holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
About International Battery Metals Ltd.
IBAT’s direct lithium extraction technology is based on proprietary lithium extraction media housed in patented extraction columns. The columns are enclosed in modular,
transportable skid mounted platforms that can be transported and commissioned into production within a reasonably short time frame.
Utilizing the patented technology, the Company’s focus has been on advancing extraction of lithium chloride from ground water salt brine and produced water deposits. The Company’s unique patented technology ensures efficient delivery of lithium chloride while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Investor Relations contact:
Brian Siegel, IRC, MBA
Senior Managing Director
Hayden IR
(346) 396-8696
brian@haydenir.com
Neither the TSXV, the OTCQB nor their respective Regulation Services Providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
About International Battery Metals Ltd.
IBAT’s direct lithium extraction technology is based on proprietary lithium extraction media housed in patented extraction columns. The columns are enclosed in modular, transportable skid mounted platforms that can be transported and commissioned into production within a reasonably short time frame.
Utilizing the patented technology, the Company’s focus has been on advancing extraction of lithium chloride from ground water salt brine and produced water deposits. The Company’s unique patented technology ensures efficient delivery of lithium chloride while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Investor Relations contact:
Brian Siegel, IRC, MBA
Senior Managing Director
Hayden IR
(346) 396-8696
brian@haydenir.com
Neither the TSXV, the OTCQB nor their respective Regulation Services Providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.