In a landmark achievement for South Africa, Klerksdorp-born Natascha Viljoen has been appointed the next President and CEO of American mining giant Newmont. This promotion represents a historic double breakthrough, placing a South African executive at the helm of the world’s largest gold mining company....Click to Read More >>➤

Natascha Viljoen Makes History

Natascha Viljoen will become the first woman to lead the 104-year-old company. According to reports, she will officially take over the top role on 1 January 2026. She succeeds Tom Palmer, who is retiring from the position.

This appointment puts the seasoned mining expert in charge of a corporation with a staggering market capitalisation of R1.72 trillion. Her leadership of Newmont marks a significant milestone for global gender diversity in the mining sector. It also highlights South Africa’s capacity for producing world-class corporate leaders.

Shattering Glass Ceilings

Natascha Viljoen’s journey began in South Africa’s mining heartland. She earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of the North West. She then built a formidable career spanning three decades in the industry.

Her impressive resume includes senior roles at major mining houses. She previously served as the CEO of Anglo American Platinum. Her strong reputation for operational excellence and leadership paved the way for her move to Newmont in 2023.

Newmont’s chairperson, Greg Boyce, confirmed that Viljoen had proven herself as an expert operator. He also highlighted her inspiring leadership during her tenure as Chief Operating Officer. Her ascent from a trainee engineer at Iscor to the top of a global titan is a remarkable story. It showcases the world-class calibre of leadership talent emerging from South Africa.

A New Era for Newmont

The promotion of Natascha Viljoen is a powerful inspiration for the global mining industry. It demonstrates that South African expertise can compete and excel on the most competitive international stages. Her proven track record and deep industry knowledge position her to lead Newmont effectively.

Her leadership promises to bring a uniquely global and diverse perspective to one of the mining industry’s most influential companies. This historic appointment for Newmont is a testament to Viljoen’s skill, dedication, and visionary approach to mining operations. The global resources sector will be watching closely as she prepares to steer the company into its next chapter.

This achievement underscores the importance of diverse leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. It sets a new precedent for what is possible in corporate leadership worldwide. The story of Natascha Viljoen and Newmont is one of breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence. ...Click to Read More >>➤