Diversified miner Anglo American has streamlined its executive leadership team to reflect substantial progress with the simplification of its portfolio, which has included the demerger of the newly renamed Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, and the agreed sales of its steelmaking coal and nickel businesses.

“We have made rapid progress with our portfolio simplification and we are on track to complete the strategic reshaping of Anglo American to focus on our world-class positions in copper, premium iron-ore and crop nutrients.

"Reflecting those changes, we are consolidating our production businesses under a COO, with Ruben Fernandes appointed with effect from July 1.

"Themba Mkhwanazi, currently regional director – Africa and Australia, will step down at the end of June, having overseen the successful demerger of Valterra Platinum. We thank Themba Mkhwanazi for his outstanding contribution to Anglo American over the last 11 years in which he also led our thermal coal, Kumba Iron Ore and then our Bulks businesses as a whole. His passion as a leader to get the very best from his teams is beyond question and we wish him well in his next endeavours,” comments Anglo CEO Duncan Wanblad.

From July 1, the group's executive team will include Wanblad, CFO John Heasley, Fernandes, chief legal and corporate affairs officer Richard Price, chief people and organisation officer Monique Carter, chief projects and development officer Alison Atkinson, chief strategy and sustainability officer Helena Nonka, chief technical officer Tom McCulley, De Beers Group CEO Al Cook and marketing CEO Matt Walker.

Cook will continue to form part of the Anglo executive leadership team until the separation of De Beers from the group has progressed further.

McCulley, meanwhile, will also retain his responsibility for Anglo’s Crop Nutrients business.

The CEOs of Anglo's four production businesses – Brazil: Ana Sanches; Chile: Patricio Hidalgo; Kumba Iron Ore: Mpumi Zikalala; and Peru: Tony Power – report to the COO.

Anglo American South Africa chairperson Nolitha Fakude will continue to report to Wanblad in her leadership role of Anglo’s wider business and societal interests in South Africa, including the company’s support for the country’s national priorities, and as a hub for regional investment.