Published: October 4, 2023 |

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Newmont Corporation has made leadership appointments that will further strengthen its operating model to support safe and profitable operations of the expanded portfolio of assets and projects.

Natascha Viljoen joined Newmont as chief operating officer (COO) on October 2, 2023. After an onboarding period, Natascha will assume accountability for the Australian, North American, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) 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, and Caribbean (formally South America) 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 Rob will transition into a strategic role supporting the business in another capacity.

As part of the company’s 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 Natascha 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 (CSSO) 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.

“These new appointments will allow Newmont to safely and efficiently make decisions to deliver the integration of Newcrest and ensure long-term world-class leadership across the larger business. Our future expanded portfolio will require strong and experienced leadership to support and care for our people, neighbors, stakeholders, and assets for years to come,” said Newmont ‘s President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Palmer.

On May 14, Newmont entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Newcrest. The combination would create a world-class portfolio of assets with the highest concentration of tier 1 operations, primarily in favorable, low-risk mining jurisdictions. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company would deliver a multi-decade production profile from ten large, long-life, low cost tier 1 operations, and increased annual copper production primarily from Australia and Canada. The combined business is anticipated to generate annual pre-tax synergies of $500 million, expected to be achieved within the first 24 months, while also targeting at least $2 billion in cash improvements through portfolio optimization in the first two years after closing.

Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and a producer of copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. The company is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Newmont was founded in 1921 and has been publicly traded since 1925.

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