Appian Capital Advisory the investment advisor to long-term private capital funds that invest in companies in metals and mining, has announced the appointment of Michael Li as Head of North America.  

Based in Toronto, Li will lead the development of Appian’s North American business, including origination, transaction evaluation, due diligence, structuring and execution of new investments, as well as ongoing oversight of the firm’s regional portfolio companies. 

Li brings over 20 years of experience in metals and mining M&A and finance and joins Appian from Maxit Capital, a leading independent mining M&A advisory firm, where he served as Managing Partner for five years.  

Prior to that, he led Citi’s Canadian metals and mining investment banking franchise, based in Toronto. He has also held senior roles at Credit Suisse and BMO Capital Markets, covering metals and mining.  

Li has advised a broad range of Canadian and international mining companies on buy-side and sell-side M&A, corporate and asset-level transactions, and joint venture arrangements. He also brings extensive experience in debt and equity financing across the sector. 

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Queen’s University. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society Toronto. 

“We are pleased to welcome Michael to Appian as we continue to expand our presence in this important market. The region’s increasing focus on securing supply chains for critical minerals and precious metals to meet growing demand is creating an attractive and dynamic investment landscape,” Appian CEO Michael W. Scherb said in a news release. “Michael’s expertise and experience in mining finance and M&A will be key to capturing these opportunities and advancing Appian’s leadership in North America.”