Anglo American has announced a restructuring of its executive leadership team following significant progress in its portfolio simplification strategy, including the demerger of Valterra Platinum (formerly Anglo American Platinum) and the agreed sale of its steelmaking coal and nickel businesses.
Group chief executive Duncan Wanblad stressed the company’s rapid progress, stating that Anglo American is on track to reshape its strategic focus on world-class copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients assets.
To align with this streamlined portfolio, the company will consolidate its production businesses under newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Ruben Fernandes, effective July 1.
Themba Mkhwanazi, the outgoing regional director for Africa and Australia, will step down at the end of June after overseeing the Valterra Platinum demerger.
Wanblad praised Mkhwanazi’s 11-year tenure, during which he led thermal coal, Kumba Iron Ore, and bulk commodities operations.
From July onward, the executive leadership team will include Wanblad as CEO, John Heasley as CFO, Fernandes as COO, Richard Price (Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer), Monique Carter (Chief People and Organisation Officer), Alison Atkinson (Chief Projects and Development Officer), Helena Nonka (Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer), Tom McCulley (Chief Technical Officer, retaining oversight of Crop Nutrients), Al Cook (De Beers Group CEO, remaining until further progress on De Beers’ separation), and Matt Walker (Marketing CEO).
The CEOs of Anglo’s production businesses—Ana Sanches (Brazil), Patricio Hidalgo (Chile), Mpumi Zikalala (Kumba Iron Ore), and Tony Power (Peru)—will report to Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Nolitha Fakude, Anglo American South Africa chairperson, will continue reporting to Wanblad, managing the company’s broader business and societal interests in South Africa, including support for national priorities and regional investment.
The restructuring reflects Anglo American’s commitment to a more focused and efficient operational structure.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
