A former Northparkes Mines employee, Leanne and her husband run a successful mixed farming enterprise called "Old Mungery" on the Bulgandramine Road, west of Peak Hill.

Leanne first joined the team at Northparkes Mines 1997 as Senior Mine Accountant.  

Her most recent role was Manager, Business Development and Marketing through to 2010.  

Leanne maintained a link with Northparkes through her marketing role until it was sold to CMOC, and now as a volunteer coach and mentor to their emerging female leaders.

Orocobre Chairman, Mr Rob Hubbard, said the company is pleased to have attracted a Director of Ms Heywoods calibre and experience in the mining industry.

“Ms Heywood is an executive and leader with over 20 years corporate experience,” he said.

She brings a wealth of talent in strategic marketing, business finance and compliance which will be invaluable as Orocobre expands in global markets.

“Ms Heywood has led organisational restructures, disposals and acquisitions as well as complex negotiations across international boundaries and will be a welcome addition to the Orocobre Board.

Leanne has made Board level contributions in international supply chain, strategic risk evaluation, international stakeholder management, international marketing, high value negotiations, and mergers and acquisitions.

Her contribution to the mining industry has been recognised through the NSW Minerals Council Mining Awards.

Leanne serves as a non-executive director for Gunawirra, a not-for-profit organisation working to empower young Aboriginal parents, and is a member of the NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity.

She holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Charles Sturt University and has completed an MBA at the Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne.

Leanne also holds membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and CPA Australia.