Global mining and metals advocacy group the ICMM has appointed Froydis Cameron-Johansson to succeed Rohitesh Dhawan as president and CEO.

The group says Cameron-Johansson brings a wealth of global senior leadership experience in the mining and energy sectors to the ICMM, having lived and worked in both emerging and established markets in a career spanning three decades, during which she has become a key ambassador for the extractives industry as well as an advocate for responsible business and sustainability.

The appointment follows a rigorous competitive selection process. She takes the reins as the ICMM enters the next phase of its strategy focussed on driving performance against the Consolidated Mining Standard and advocating for responsible production and value chains for the metals and minerals the world depends on.

Dhawan, who has led the ICMM since April 2021, will remain in the post until the end of the year to support an orderly transition.

"It’s a great privilege to follow on from [Dhawan] and lead the ICMM at a time when responsible mining and metals have never mattered more. The industry’s future depends on listening to society as much as on delivering for it, and I look forward to working with the team, our members and stakeholders to strengthen trust, raise performance and demonstrate the contribution that responsible mining can make," Cameron-Johansson comments.

Dhawan adds that he is "immensely proud" of the leadership shown by ICMM members over the last five years.

"Through the CEO-led commitment of companies, the tireless work of the extraordinary ICMM team and the spirit of collaboration of many partners, we have achieved significant strides in responsible mining. 

“Yet there’s more to be done and ICMM has never had a stronger platform to continue driving change. Under Froydis’s leadership, I have no doubt that the ICMM will continue its proud tradition of leadership in responsible mining into the next era," he says.

ICMM chairperson and Antofagasta CEO Iván Arriagada states that it is a pivotal time for the industry, with critical minerals top of the agenda around the world.

"In Froydis we have appointed a leader with the credibility and conviction to make the case for responsibly produced minerals and metals where it matters most. Froydis’s passion for mining, sustainability and delivery, combined with her knowledge and experience, made her the outstanding candidate to guide the ICMM into its next chapter.

“On behalf of the members of ICMM, I would like to offer [Dhawan] our sincere thanks for both his outstanding leadership and the vital role he has played in helping the industry towards a more responsible and sustainable future. He has led with clarity and conviction, positioning the ICMM as the leading voice on responsible mining."