Lonmin Restructures Management Team; Hires New COO

Platinum miner Lonmin Plc (LSE:LMI) has reorganized its executive management team with hopes of reviving its operational capacity after enduring the six-month platinum strike in South Africa.

As part of the executive reshuffle, the company has appointed Johan Viljoen as its new chief operating officer, replacing Mark Munroe. As former senior manager for AngloGold Ashanti, Vilojen is a critical component in Lonmin’s bid of realigning its mining efforts.

“He comes with impressive turnaround mining experience and a proven track record of delivery,” Lonmin CEO Ben Magara said in a statement referring to the appointment of Johan Viljoen.

“He will be instrumental in the execution of the operational strategy and overseeing the completion of the ramp up and will work closely with me and the executive team as we assess our medium- to long-term strategy and options on the productivity and profitability of our business, including cost reduction.”

The restructuring of Lonmin’s management team will enable the company to drive a more focused delivery of its emerging strategy.

“I believe that people make the difference and I’m certain that, if we focus on people, results, safety and sustainability, we will deliver a better future for all our stakeholders,” Viljoen said in a statement.

According to Magara, Lonmin will retain CFO Simon Scott, executive VP of human resources Abey Kgotle, executive VP of communications and public affairs Lerato Molebatsi and executive VP of transformation Brnard Mokwena.  

“Our most important job is to shape a company that is sustainable through all cycles and poised to take full advantage of our excellent assets and technical abilities. Our commitment is to ensure that we bridge the execution gap in a disciplined and supportive way,” Magara said.

“This will help accelerate execution and operational excellence through the whole organization.”