JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – World number-three platinum producer Lonmin has appointed Roger Phillimore as chairperson on a permanent basis, succeeding Sir John Craven, who retired in January.

Phillimore was appointed as interim chairperson when Craven stepped down, but was initially unable to take up the post on a permanent basis.

In late 2008, the company initiated a process to find a successor for Craven, producing a number of high-quality candidates. However, Phillimore was now available and the board has concluded that his appointment was the most appropriate, given the significant changes to the business being implemented by Lonmin’s CEO Ian Farmer, and his management team.

Farmer, who was appointed as CEO in September, when Brad Mills stepped down, is changing the company’s approach to mechanised mining and has said that it would focus on value-adding ounces.

"With his detailed understanding of both Lonmin and the platinum-group metals industry, the board believes that Phillimore is the right person to lead the board as it implements significant changes to the business," said senior independent director Michael Hartnall.

Phillimore was appointed as an independent nonexecutive director in 1997, and is chairperson of the nomination committee. He was also previously a member of the remuneration committee and has been a member of the audit and risk committee.

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