Newmont announces executive leadership appointments

Newmont announced leadership appointments that “will further strengthen its operating model to support safe and profitable operations of the expanded portfolio of assets and projects.” As previously announced, Natascha Viljoen will be joining Newmont as Chief Operating Officer on October 2, 2023. After an onboarding period, Viljoen will assume accountability for the Australian, North American, and Papua New Guinea Business Units on November 1, 2023. In addition to managing Newmont’s existing assets, she will oversee critical activities associated with incorporating Newcrest’s people and assets into Newmont, following the completion of the acquisition. Rob Atkinson will continue to lead the Africa, Peru, and Latin America & Caribbean Business Units, as well as Global Projects, and support the transition of critical operational integration activities. Viljoen will assume full accountability for all Business Units in early 2024, at which point Atkinson will transition into a strategic role supporting the business in another capacity. As part of our 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 Viljoen and based in Port Moresby. Pretorius previously led Newmont’s Africa and South America Business Units and has extensive operational and leadership experience with a strong ability to partner with community and key stakeholders, ensuring the safe and orderly integration of the Lihir operation and the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture into Newmont’s portfolio. Upon completion of the Newcrest transaction in the fourth quarter, the Australia region will have a significantly increased operational and strategic importance to Newmont’s global portfolio. To support this, Suzy Retallack will take on the responsibility of Executive Australia, in addition to her current role as Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer and will be based in Perth, Australia. Retallack will represent Newmont with key industry bodies in Australia, playing a role in policy development and advocacy, while prioritizing strategic activities that unify and enhance the existing strong reputation of Newmont in Australia.