Our Board of Directors

Shivani Kannabhiran, France

President

Shivani is an expert on the OECD’s framework on due diligence, integrating international standards on human rights, labour, and the environment in global value chains. With decades of experience working with businesses, investors, regulators, and policymakers, she supports climate, biodiversity, and development goals through responsible investment and collaboration. Of Malaysian Indian heritage, Shivani has lived and worked in numerous countries, developing a global network of stakeholders, particularly in the extractives and agri-food sectors. A champion of gender equality, a just climate transition, and nature-based solutions, Shivani has advised companies on corporate strategy and operations and is an experienced fundraiser. She holds degrees from Smith College and INSEAD (MBA).

Edward Blight, United Kingdom

Treasurer

Edward is the LBMA’s Chief Finance Officer. He directs and defines the organization’s Financial and Business Operations strategies and is the business process lead for all Membership matters. He is also responsible for the LBMA’s Human Resources, Technology, Contractual Support, Commercialisation, and Office Management functions. His career includes 31 successful years in the British Army, where he saw service in many countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Since leaving the Army, he has worked successfully within the commercial sector, running major multi-site logistics and fulfillment operations with significant P&L responsibility. He moved into the Precious Metals sector in 2012, and before joining the LBMA, he led the development of all Precious Metals Operations capability and facilities at G4S Cash Solutions UK Limited, where he worked in partnership with Deutsche Bank AG to build and operate a state-of-the-art Precious Metals vaulting capability.

Louise Ouimet, Canada

Secretary

Louise has dedicated her career to international development, joining the Canadian International Development Agency in 1973. She served in West Africa, including as Ambassador and Head of Development in Burkina Faso and Mali. Louise specialized in governance of public institutions and performance management through consultancies in Africa and Pakistan. She was Chair of the Africa Study Group and is a board member of Oxfam-Quebec. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from ENAP, Canada, and is a certified Mediator (Third Party Neutral) from the Canadian Institute of Conflict Resolution.

Anthony Goerzen, Canada

Board Member

Anthony is the Sobey Professor of International Business at Smith School of Business of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Prior to academia, Anthony spent fifteen years in various management positions in both small companies and large corporations. His current research interests relate to global supply chain governance practices by multinational corporations with a particular focus on social justice and environmental stewardship. His research has been published in several books as well as a number of academic journals including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management, Management International Review, Journal of International Management, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Peking University Business Review, Ivey Business Journal, Academy of Management Perspectives, and Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bocar Thiam , United States

Board Member

Bocar is an expert in land and resource governance with over 25 years of leadership and technical experience. He has served as Project Manager, Country Director, and Chief of Party, working on land tenure rights, extractive industries, biodiversity conservation, and local governance across Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Bocar spent 15 years leading a U.S. government-funded conflict minerals program supporting Kimberley Process compliance in West and Central Africa. He has extensive experience managing environmental and social governance projects for large mining companies in Guinea, guiding national policy reforms on land tenure in West Africa, and conducting environmental impact assessments for infrastructure projects in East Africa. He holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from Ball State University, USA.

Carl Bruch , United States

Board Member

Carl is the Director of International Programs at the Environmental Law Institute and founding President of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association (EnPAx). His work centers on environmental peacebuilding, governance, adaptation, and emergencies, especially in post-conflict settings. Carl has assisted numerous countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe in strengthening environmental laws, institutions, and practices. He has edited more than ten books and authored over 80 journal articles, book chapters, and reports. Carl is an adjunct professor at American University School of International Service. He holds a JD from the Northwestern School of Environmental Law of Lewis & Clark College, an MA in physics (with additional majors in mathematics and anthropology) from the University of Texas-Austin, and a BS in physics from Michigan State University.

Guus Houttuin, Netherlands

Board Member

Guus was Senior Trade Advisor to the EU’s External Action Service until August 2022 and chaired the OECD Multi-stakeholder Steering Group on responsible minerals until April 2023. He led the foreign and development policy pillars of the EU Responsible Minerals Regulation, drafting the EU guidelines on conflict-affected and high-risk areas. Guus initiated the EU-OECD relationship on responsible minerals and due diligence/RBC and advised on EU laws on corporate sustainability, critical raw materials, and labor rights. He represented the EU at the WTO and was a Legal Adviser to the Council of the EU in Brussels. He also advises the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals and is a part-time associate with the German lobbying/law firm Alber & Geiger.

Issa Dominique Konate, Burkina Faso

Board Member

Issa is a seasoned Strategic Management Consultant with over 45 years of diverse professional experience. He has served as an independent consultant and was a Special Advisor to the President of Burkina Faso, focusing on Energy, Mines, and Quarries. Issa has significant expertise in the management of extractive and energy industries, strategic partnerships, and corporate governance. His previous roles include Regional Director for West Africa at AECOM Consultants and various top management positions at Shell Oil. Issa holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Montreal. He is also a dedicated educator and board member for several institutions.

Katharine Evans, Canada

Board Member

Katharine is a Partner and Co-Owner at Boreala Management, overseeing finance, human resources, and operations. She advises community-rooted organizations, specializing in Change Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Human Resources, and Organizational Development, with extensive experience supporting Indigenous entities. Katharine has over 25 years of experience working with global corporations, family-owned businesses, and public-sector organizations, including leadership roles in retail and distribution. She holds an MBA from HEC Montréal, a BA from McGill University, and certifications in Coaching Ourselves facilitation, Prosci Change Management, and mediation from the ADR Learning Institute.

Leah Butler, United States

Board Member

Leah works at Meta, advancing programs for safe and fair working conditions and environmental stewardship within manufacturing and minerals supply chains. She has 18 years of experience in responsible minerals, human rights, assurance, and regulatory compliance. As Vice President of Responsible Sourcing at the Responsible Business Alliance, she developed industry standards and partnerships aligned with OECD frameworks and US/EU regulations. She holds a BA in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley, and Master’s degrees in Environmental Management and International Relations from Yale University.

Pamela Fierst-Walsh, United States

Board Member

Pamela is the CEO of PFW Advisory, offering advisory services on regulatory and supply chain needs, focusing on environmental, social, and governance aspects. She is the former U.S. Representative to the Kimberley Process and Senior Advisor for Conflict and Critical Minerals at the U.S. Department of State. Pamela has over 18 years in global affairs, including as VP of Traceability at PVH, overseeing global traceability for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. She holds a J.D. from the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, and a Master’s in National Strategic Studies from the National War College.