Anglo American streamlines executive team as it pivots towards core sectors

Anglo American has announced a significant restructuring of its executive leadership team, a move that underscores its commitment to simplification and strategic focus.

This decision follows the recent demerger of Valterra Platinum and the completion of sales for Anglo American's steelmaking coal and nickel businesses, aligning the organisation more closely with its premier positions in copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients.

Valterra Platinum, the world's biggest platinum miner by value, made its trading debut on the Johannesburg bourse as a standalone unit last month, completing a spin-off from parent Anglo American.

Anglo's demerger of the Johannesburg-based platinum group metals producer, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, comes as it shifts focus to unlock the inherent value in its portfolio as a whole, with enhanced focus on positions in copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients. 

Following the demerger Anglo American will continue to hold 19.9% of Valterra Platinum and intends to retain this shareholding for at least 90 days following the demerger, with this shareholding position to be managed responsibly over time to effect a full separation.

Anglo American CEO, Duncan Wanblad, on Wednesday expressed enthusiasm about the progress made.

"We have made rapid progress with our portfolio simplification and we are on track to complete the strategic re-shaping of Anglo American to focus on our world-class positions in copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients," Wanbald said.

"Reflecting those changes, we are consolidating our production businesses under a chief operating officer, with Ruben Fernandes appointed with effect from 1 July. Themba Mkhwanazi, currently regional director – Africa and Australia, will step down at the end of June having overseen the successful demerger of Valterra Platinum.

"We thank Themba Mkhwanazi for his outstanding contribution to Anglo American over the last 11 years in which he also led our thermal coal, Kumba Iron Ore and then our Bulks businesses as a whole. His passion as a leader to get the very best from his teams is beyond question and we wish him well in his next endeavours."

In addition to the two executive directors – Wanblad and chief financial officer John Heasley, Anglo American's executive leadership team will comprise:

• Chief Operating Officer – Ruben Fernandes
• Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer – Richard Price
• Chief People & Organisation Officer – Monique Carter
• Chief Projects & Development Officer – Alison Atkinson
• Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer – Helena Nonka
• Chief Technical Officer – Tom McCulley
• CEO, De Beers Group – Al Cook
• CEO, Marketing – Matt Walker

Al Cook remains integral to Anglo American’s leadership until the De Beers separation progresses further. Tom McCulley will continue to oversee the Crop Nutrients business alongside his new role.

Nolitha Fakude, the chair of Anglo American in South Africa, retains her position reporting directly to Wanblad, focusing on the company’s broader business and societal interests within the nation. This includes aligning with South Africa's national priorities and enhancing regional investments.

The CEOs of Anglo American's four production businesses – Brazil: Ana Sanches; Chile: Patricio Hidalgo; Kumba Iron Ore: Mpumi Zikalala; Peru: Tony Power – will report to Fernandes, ensuring comprehensive representation of their operations in strategic discussions and decision-making.

BUSINESS REPORT