International Battery Metals Ltd. filed an 8-K on October 27, 2026, reporting the appointment of Donald E. Bender as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective October 26, 2026, replacing James Garrett Galloway in that interim role.

Key Highlights

  • New Interim CEO: Donald E. Bender, previously the Company's Vice President of Technology & Engineering, was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer effective October 26, 2026.
  • Predecessor in role: James Garrett Galloway had served as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 27, 2026, and will continue as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.
  • Galloway compensation ends: The additional cash compensation Galloway received for serving as Interim CEO, at an annualized rate of $100,000, ceased effective October 26, 2026.
  • Bender's interim CEO pay: The Board approved additional cash compensation for Bender at an annualized rate of $100,000, payable in equal monthly installments of approximately $8,333, on top of his existing annual salary of $265,000 in cash plus a discretionary bonus.
  • Dual role: Bender will continue to serve as Vice President of Technology & Engineering while also serving as Interim CEO.
  • Exchange listings: The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol IBAT and on the OTCQB under the symbol IBATF.

Leadership Transition Details at International Battery Metals

According to the filing, the Board of Directors of International Battery Metals Ltd. appointed Donald E. Bender as Interim Chief Executive Officer on October 26, 2026. Bender, age 50, has served as the Company's Vice President of Technology & Engineering since November 2025 and previously held the title of Director of Technology & Engineering from November 2024 until November 2025. The filing states he has over 20 years of experience in chemical process engineering and capital project execution, including work on direct lithium extraction technology.

Prior to joining the Company, according to the filing, Bender worked as 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. Earlier in his career, the filing notes he held process engineering leadership roles on major energy projects for ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil, PetroChina Canada, and Suncor Energy/Petro-Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The filing states that Bender's interim CEO compensation of $100,000 annualized is in addition to his current compensation as Vice President of Technology & Engineering, which includes a cash salary of $265,000 per year and a discretionary bonus. The filing also confirms there are no family relationships between Bender and any director or executive officer of the Company, and no arrangements or understandings with any other person pursuant to which he was appointed. The Company also issued a press release dated October 27, 2026, furnished as Exhibit 99.1, announcing the transition.

What Was Disclosed

International Battery Metals Ltd. disclosed a leadership change in which Donald E. Bender replaced James Garrett Galloway as Interim CEO effective October 26, 2026, with Bender receiving additional annualized cash compensation of $100,000 for the interim role, on top of his existing $265,000 annual salary.