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Lonmin drops VP positions, introduces COO in board shake-up

Lonmin drops VP positions, introduces COO in board shake-up

Photo by Duane Daws

4th August 2014

By: Natalie Greve

Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

  

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JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Platinum major Lonmin has restructured its executive management team in a bid to streamline the company and rebuild its operational capacity after recently emerging from a nearly six-month-long strike that halted production at its only operating mine, in the North West.

As part of the executive reshuffle, the miner would introduce a COO role to oversee both the mining and processing divisions and better align these two business elements.

This role, which would replace the existing positions of executive VP of mining and executive VP of processing, would be filled by mining engineer Johan Viljoen, with immediate effect.

Mark Munroe and Natascha Viljoen, who held these executive VP positions, would now leave the company to pursue new opportunities.

Lonmin said in a statement on Monday that Johan Viljoen brought a wealth of experience in mining, having spent 37 years in operational management and leadership roles at mining majors Gold Fields, Anglo American and AngloGold Ashanti.

“John comes with impressive turnaround mining experience and a proven 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 myself 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,” commented CEO Ben Magara.

He added that both the mining and processing teams had strong and experienced people in place, all of whom would continue with the execution of the ramp-up to full production.

Elaborating on the structure of the new executive committee, Magara noted that he would retain his role as CEO, as would CFO Simon Scott, executive VP of human resources Abey Kgotle, executive VP of communications and public affairs Lerato Molebatsi and executive VP of transformation Barnard Mokwena.

Joining Viljoen as a newcomer to the board would be former Glencore platinum division COO Ben Moolman, who would lead Lonmin’s newly created business support office. 

Moolman, who would report directly to Magara, would be responsible for accelerating execution and operational excellence throughout the organisation.

The restructuring of the senior executive team, Magara said, would enable the group to drive a more focused delivery of its emerging strategy.

“Our most important job is to shape a company 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,” he outlined.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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