Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has announced the appointment of Craig Miller, the current finance director, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Miller will succeed Natascha Viljoen, who will step down as CEO after more than three years of service.
The power transfer is set to take place on October 1, ushering in a new era for the world’s largest platinum producer. Viljoen resigned earlier this year to take the position of Chief Operating Officer at Newmont Mining Corporation in the United States. She is currently serving a lengthy notice period as part of the resignation protocol.
Craig Miller, who has been the company’s finance director since 2019, has a wealth of experience. His career began as a trainee accountant at Deloitte in Johannesburg, and he later moved to London to work as a finance manager for Anglo American in May 2000. He has held a number of key positions over the years, including group financial controller, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the iron ore business in Brazil, CFO of the coal business in South Africa, and Head of the group CEO’s office.
Miller expressed his enthusiasm for moving Amplats’ strategic plans forward. He acknowledged the difficulties posed by macroeconomic uncertainties such as high inflation and falling metal prices. He emphasised the importance of agility, adaptability to market realities, and an unwavering focus on efficiency and prudent resource management in order to thrive in the face of these challenges.
In response to Miller’s appointment, outgoing CEO Natascha Viljoen praised his contributions to the leadership team and expressed confidence in his ability to carry on the important work they have done to lay the groundwork for long-term success.
The platinum mining industry has always been subject to cyclical patterns, but the current factors driving the commodity cycle are unique, according to Viljoen’s statements to News24. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, its impact on the global economy and supply chains, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its implications for energy markets, and the accelerated pace of the global energy transition driven by policy decisions are all factors to consider.
Despite the market’s uncertainty, Amplats’ shares responded positively, rising nearly 2% on Thursday morning. However, it is essential to note that the stock has experienced a decline of more than one-third in value since the beginning of the year.
Amplats intends to navigate these difficult times with Craig Miller at the helm, while remaining committed to sustainability and growth. The mining industry continues to face unprecedented challenges, making vision and leadership more important than ever.
Finally, the appointment of Craig Miller as CEO of Anglo American Platinum represents a watershed moment for the company. His extensive background within Amplats, combined with a strong strategic mindset, positions him well to lead the organisation through the volatile landscape of the mining industry. All eyes will be on Amplats as the global economy evolves to see how the company adapts, thrives, and shapes the future of platinum mining.
