New Leadership for Muskogee Lithium Project
Stardust Power Inc., a leading lithium development company, has taken a major step forward in its Muskogee, Oklahoma project. The company announced that Kenneth Pitts will serve as Construction and Subcontracts Director, overseeing refinery construction and subcontract portfolios.
Based in Houston, Pitts will direct large-scale onsite projects and coordinate with contractors to keep construction safe, on schedule, and within budget. He will report to Project Director Randall Harris and serve as the company’s lead representative for all construction-related operations.
Harris said the appointment marks “meaningful progress” toward Phase 1 construction of the Muskogee refinery, which was first announced in December 2024.
Veteran Engineer with Global Experience
Pitts brings more than 25 years of experience in complex energy and infrastructure projects worldwide. He has held senior leadership roles with NEOM Company, Fluor Corporation, Clough North America, IHI E&C International, and CB&I.
At NEOM, Pitts managed large-scale contracting for major infrastructure and luxury developments under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. His portfolio includes projects across North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, where he built a track record for delivering high-value industrial programs under tight technical and financial standards.
“Ken’s experience in oil, gas, and critical minerals projects aligns perfectly with Stardust Power’s next phase,” Harris said. “His leadership will help transition us from a development company to an operating company through construction and commissioning.”
Strengthening U.S. Lithium Supply Chains
Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, Stardust Power aims to support America’s energy independence by developing a domestic supply of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
The Muskogee refinery is designed to produce up to 50,000 metric tons per year, making it one of the largest lithium refining facilities in the country. The company said its owner’s team combines decades of experience in energy, mining, and industrial construction, giving it the expertise needed to deliver a complex, long-term energy infrastructure project.
Pitts holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Florida and is a registered professional civil engineer with multiple certifications.
With Pitts’ appointment, Stardust Power moves closer to turning its Muskogee lithium project from a blueprint into a cornerstone of America’s clean energy transition.
