NEW YORK — Australian tantalum producer Global Advanced Metals Pty Ltd. (GAM) has tapped Andrew O’Donovan to step up as its new chief executive officer beginning Jan. 1.

O’Donovan will replace Bryan Ellis, who is retiring at year-end but will remain as vice chairman and non-executive director of GAM. O’Donovan currently serves as president of the company’s technology division, and formerly worked as executive director of Cabot Corp.’s U.S.-based Supermetals business before it was acquired by GAM for $400 million (amm.com, Jan. 23).

"Andrew’s 18 years’ experience in the electronics industry, his most recent position as president of GAM’s Technology division (in Boston), as well as his execution-based management style make him a natural fit to lead GAM into its next phase of growth," Ellis said in a statement.

O’Donovan will oversee GAM’s operations in Australia, the United States and Japan.

GAM’s primary metal product, tantalum, is used in the production of smart phones, tablets and laptops, aircraft engines and medical devices, among others.