Anglo American PLC (LSE:AAL) said Seamus French has decided to leave the mining group at the end of 2021, after 14 years with the company, and will be replaced as chief executive of Bulk Commodities by Themba Mkhwanazi, currently CEO of Kumba Iron Ore.
Mpumi Zikalala, currently managing director of De Beers Managed Operations, has been appointed as CEO of Kumba, with her successor to be confirmed in due course.
Both appointments will take effect on 1 January 2022.
"We congratulate Themba Mkhwanazi and Mpumi Zikalala on their new roles,” said chief executive Mark Cutifani.
“Themba will shape the strategy for our global iron ore, metallurgical coal and manganese interests. The premium quality of our steelmaking ingredients and the partnerships we will continue to build to develop cleaner steelmaking technologies have never been more critical as we work to tackle climate change.
“Mpumi's extensive operational experience at De Beers will be instrumental as she builds on Kumba's progress to drive sustained safe, world-class performance working closely with its strategic business partners.
"I am also delighted that, together with Nolitha Fakude as chair of our management board in South Africa, and Natascha Viljoen as CEO of our PGMs business, we will have three women of such high calibre leading our extensive interests in South Africa."
Anglo American added that Ruben Fernandes, CEO of Base Metals, will be responsible for the iron ore and nickel operations in Brazil. As planned, the Quellaveco copper operation in Peru will also move to the Base Metals portfolio once it is commissioned.