4th Aug 2014 09:59
Lonmin Plc4 Grosvenor PlaceLondon SW1X 7YLUnited Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 7201 6000F: +44 (0)20 7201 6100
www.lonmin.com
REGULATORY RELEASE
4 August 2014
Senior Management Team Changes
Lonmin Plc ("Lonmin" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the restructuring and strengthening of its executive management team which will streamline the business and aid in the execution of the Company's strategy as it rebuilds its operational performance.
The changes will see the introduction of a Chief Operating Officer role to oversee both mining and processing divisions, helping better align those areas of the business.
Johan Lesley Viljoen, a seasoned mining engineer and leader, joins Lonmin in this important new role with immediate effect. He brings a wealth of experience in mining, having spent 37 years in operational management and leadership roles at Gold Fields, Anglo American and AngloGold Ashanti. Most recently, Johan has been running Sfeer, a company he established to mentor and develop new talent in business and the mining industry specifically.
Chief Executive Ben Magara said: "I'm delighted to welcome Johan to the management team. He comes with impressive turnaround mining experience and a proven track record of delivery. He will be instrumental in the execution of the operational strategy and overseeing the completion of the ramp up and will work closely with me and the executive team as we assess our medium to long term strategy and options on the productivity and profitability of our business including cost reduction. Johan has useful insights in the changing mining industry labour landscape."
Commenting on his appointment, Johan Viljoen said: "I'm excited to be joining Lonmin at this pivotal time, our industry has great potential and I have been impressed with Lonmin's renewed efforts in rebuilding relationships. I also believe that people make the difference and I'm certain that if we focus on people, results, safety and sustainability; we will deliver a better future for all our stakeholders."
The Chief Operating officer replaces two existing roles: the Executive Vice President Mining and Executive Vice President Processing. The change will better align the functions and help with the creation of a common culture and knowledge sharing across all our operations.
Commenting on the departures of the two EVPs for mining and processing, Mark Munroe and Natascha Viljoen, Ben said: "Mark and Natascha can be very proud of their time with Lonmin, both having played key roles in delivering solid operational performances in the most difficult of circumstances."
He added: "Both leave to pursue new opportunities and they do so with our appreciation and gratitude for their achievements. We wish them both the very best for the future."
Both The Mining and Processing teams have strong and experienced people in place, all of whom will continue with the execution of the ramp up where we are continuing to make good progress. Senior management in both divisions have led outstanding ramp up of the business in recent years.
The new Executive Committee will comprise:
Chief Executive | Ben Magara |
Chief Financial Officer | Simon Scott |
Chief Operating Officer | Johan Viljoen |
EVP: Human Resources | Abey Kgotle |
EVP: Communications & Public Affairs | Lerato Molebatsi |
EVP: Transformation | Barnard Mokwena |
Business Support Office (BSO) Ben Moolman
The senior executive restructuring will enable Lonmin to drive a more focused delivery of its emerging strategy. Mr Magara said: "Our most important job is to shape a Lonmin that is sustainable through all cycles and poised to take full advantage of our excellent assets and technical abilities.
"Our commitment is to ensure that we bridge the execution gap in a disciplined and supportive way. To this end, we have created a BSO, led by Ben Moolman and reporting directly to me. This will help accelerate execution and operational excellence through the whole organisation. Mr Moolman rejoins Lonmin from Glencore Xstrata where he was Chief Operating Officer of the Platinum Division. He has 10 years of experience with Lonmin, latterly as Vice President Mining."
Brian Beamish, Chairman, added: "This change in the senior leadership team will facilitate a consistent, focused approach and enable the extraction of operational synergies while enhancing strategic decision making. I look forward to the restructured team driving efficiencies across the various business units, adding significant shareholder and stakeholder value."
The Company will update the market further on strategic issues and performance in due course.
- ENDS -
ENQUIRIES
Investors / Analysts:
Lonmin
Tanya Chikanza Floyd Sibandze | +27 11 218 8300 / +44 20 7201 6007 +27 11 218 8300 |
Media:
Cardew Group Anthony Cardew / James Clark Sue Vey |
+44 20 7930 0777 +27 72 644 9777 |
Notes to editors
Lonmin, which is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, is one of the world's largest primary producers of PGMs. These metals are essential for many industrial applications, especially catalytic converters for internal combustion engine emissions, as well as their widespread use in jewellery.
Lonmin's producing assets are situated in the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, where nearly 80% of known global PGM resources are found.
The Company creates value for shareholders through mining, refining and marketing PGMs and has a vertically integrated operational structure - from mine to market. Lonmin's mining operations extract ore from which the Process Division produces refined PGMs for delivery to customers. Underpinning the operations is the Shared Services function which provides high quality levels of support and infrastructure across the operations.
For further information please visit our website: http://www.lonmin.com
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