Prime Highlights:
- Natascha Viljoen becomes Newmont’s first female CEO, marking a major milestone for women in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry.
- Viljoen brings over 30 years of global mining experience and is set to guide Newmont through challenges and opportunities while gold prices remain high.
Key Facts:
- Viljoen joined Newmont as Chief Operating Officer in 2023 and previously held senior roles at Anglo American, BHP, Lonmin, and was CEO of Anglo American Platinum.
- Newmont’s previous CEO, Tom Palmer, will step down on December 31, 2025, and continue as a strategic adviser until March 2026.
Key Background:
Newmont Corporation (NEM.N) announced on Monday that Natascha Viljoen will become its first female CEO, taking over from Tom Palmer. The change comes as the gold mining industry faces rising costs, resource challenges, and pressure from shareholders to increase returns while gold prices reach record highs.
Viljoen was hired by Newmont as Chief Operating Officer in 2023 and has more than 30 years of experience. She has been a leading worker of Anglo American, BHP, and Lonmin, and CEO of Anglo American Platinum. At Newmont, she has focused on improving operations, managing the company’s portfolio, developing talent, and maintaining safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Tom Palmer, who has led Newmont since 2019 and previously served as Chief Operating Officer, will step down on December 31. He will continue as a strategic adviser until his retirement in March 2026. Under Palmer’s leadership, Newmont completed several transformative deals, including the Goldcorp acquisition, the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture, and the $17 billion acquisition of Australian mining company Newcrest, creating a leading global gold portfolio.
The announcement of Viljoen’s appointment follows signals of a succession plan, including her promotion to President earlier in 2025, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Josh Wolfson. The leadership change also comes shortly after Karyn Ovelmen stepped down as CFO after just over two years, with Peter Wexler named interim CFO.
Newmont’s stock initially surged to a record high of $87.93 on Monday following the news, reflecting positive market sentiment, before settling slightly to $84.98.
Viljoen’s appointment is a big step for women in the mining industry, which has mostly been led by men. Experts say she will help make Newmont’s operations stronger, improve sustainability, and increase returns for shareholders.
With her experience, Viljoen is ready to lead Newmont through challenges and opportunities while gold prices stay at record highs.
