FMC Corp. announced on Wednesday that Sara Ponessa has been named as the general counsel for FMC Lithium, effective this Friday, and will report to the new company’s CEO as it begins an initial public offering process in October.

Ponessa will be responsible for all the new company’s legal affairs and government relations. She will also serve as the corporate secretary. The move comes at a time when FMC Lithium is planning a $500 million IPO, according to a Reuters report.