Anglo American’s Themba Mkhwanazi, currently Regional Director for Africa and Australia, will step down at the end of June after 11 years with the company. His departure follows Anglo American’s announcement of key executive leadership changes, as the diversified miner moves to become a leaner, future-focused business with a sharpened focus on critical minerals and sustainable resource delivery.
Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad, Mkhwanazi played a pivotal role in the demerger of Valterra Platinum and previously led Anglo’s thermal coal, Kumba Iron Ore, and Bulk portfolios. “His commitment to people and performance is unmatched, and we thank him sincerely for his impact,” he said.
The announcement follows significant progress in simplifying Anglo’s portfolio, marked by the demerger of the rebranded Valterra Platinum, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, and confirmed sales of its steelmaking coal and nickel businesses.
Wanblad also mentioned that the structural changes come at a critical time in the group’s evolution. “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,” he said.
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Another key change includes the creation of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role, with Ruben Fernandes appointed effective July 1. This newly consolidated leadership structure aims to enhance operational focus across Anglo’s global production assets.
From 1 July 2025, Anglo American’s executive leadership team will include:
- CEO – Duncan Wanblad
- CFO – John Heasley
- COO – 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 will remain part of the executive team until further progress is made on the planned separation of De Beers from the group. Meanwhile, Tom McCulley retains leadership of the Crop Nutrients business, a cornerstone of Anglo’s future growth profile.
The CEOs of Anglo American’s key production regions—Ana Sanches (Brazil), Patricio Hidalgo (Chile), Mpumi Zikalala (Kumba Iron Ore), and Tony Power (Peru)—will report to the COO, ensuring on-the-ground insight feeds into central strategy and decision-making.
Nolitha Fakude, Chair of Anglo American South Africa, continues to report directly to Wanblad, with a strategic focus on the company’s socio-economic impact and long-term investment role in South Africa.
