Anglo American streamlines leadership team to reflect portfolio progress

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Anglo American plc has streamlined its executive leadership team to reflect substantial progress with the simplification of its portfolio, with the demerger of Valterra Platinum completed and the sales agreed for the steelmaking coal and nickel businesses.

Anglo American is a leading global mining company focused on the responsible production of copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients.

Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Anglo American, said: “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. 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 – Duncan Wanblad (Chief Executive Officer) and John Heasley (Chief Financial Officer), Anglo American’s executive leadership team will comprise, from 1 July 2025:

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

As CEO of De Beers Group, Al Cook will continue to form part of the Anglo American executive leadership team until the separation of De Beers from Anglo American has progressed further.

As stated in the announcement of his appointment on 12 May 2025, Tom McCulley also retains his responsibility for Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business.

Nolitha Fakude, Chair of Anglo American in South Africa, continues to report to Duncan Wanblad in her leadership role of Anglo American’s wider business and societal interests in South Africa, including the company’s support for the country’s national priorities, and as a hub for regional investment.