Newmont Corporation has announced a number of leadership appointments in efforts to boost safe and productive operations of the company’s expanding portfolio of assets with the proposed acquisition of Newcrest, and strengthen the company’s operating model.
As Newmont has previously announced, Natascha Viljoen will be joining Newmont as Chief Operating Officer on 2 October 2023.
After an onboarding period, Ms Viljoen will assume accountability for the Australian, North American, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Units on 1 November 2023. In addition to managing Newmont’s existing assets, Ms Viljoen will oversee critical activities associated with incorporating Newcrest’s people and assets into Newmont, following the completion of the acquisition.
Ms Viljoen will assume full accountability for all Business Units in early 2024, at which point Mr Atkinson will transition into a strategic role supporting the business in another capacity.
Upon completion of the Newcrest transaction in the fourth quarter, the Australia region is expected to have a significantly increased operational and strategic importance to Newmont’s global portfolio.
Suzy Retallack will take on the responsibility of Executive Australia, in addition to her current role as Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer (CSSO) and will be based in Perth, Australia.
Ms Retallack will represent Newmont with key industry bodies in Australia, playing a role in policy development and advocacy, while prioritising strategic activities that unify and enhance the existing strong reputation of Newmont in Australia.
Rob Atkinson will continue to lead the Africa, Peru, and Latin America and Caribbean (formally South America) Business Units, as well as Global Projects, and support the transition of critical operational integration activities.
As part of Newmont’s efforts to establish a dedicated Business Unit in Papua New Guinea, Alwyn Pretorius will assume the role of Managing Director, Papua New Guinea, reporting to Ms Viljoen and based in Port Moresby.
Newmont’s President and CEO, Tom Palmer, said that these new appointments will allow Newmont to safely and efficiently make decisions to deliver the integration of Newcrest and ensure long-term world-class leadership across the larger business.
“Our future expanded portfolio will require strong and experienced leadership to support and care for our people, neighbours, stakeholders, and assets for years to come.”
