OREANDA-NEWS. July 19, 2012. Anglo American Platinum Limited (“Anglo American Platinum”) announces the appointment of Chris Griffith as CEO following Neville Nicolau’s decision to resign, to pursue other interests.

Mr Griffith has been CEO of Kumba Iron Ore Limited (“Kumba”) since 2008 and was previously Head of Joint Venture Operations for the Platinum business. His appointment as Anglo American Platinum CEO will take effect from 1 September 2012.

As CEO of Kumba Iron Ore, Chris oversaw the delivery of one of Anglo American’s flagship growth projects, Kolomela, five months ahead of schedule, on budget, and with a world class safety performance record. He also oversaw the successful commissioning and ramp up of the Sishen JIG Plant.

Cynthia Carroll, Chairman of Anglo American Platinum, said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris Griffith back to Anglo American Platinum following his tremendous success over four years as CEO of Kumba. Chris brings more than 22 years of deep-rooted operational mining experience, including 18 years in the Platinum business, and an impressive track record of delivering safe operational performance and leading effective change. I would like to thank Neville for his many contributions to our Platinum business since 2008 and for his achievements in his career with the Group and wish him well for the future.”

Chris Griffith said: “I look forward to taking on my new role at Anglo American Platinum and to working with Anglo American as we review all aspects of our platinum business during this year, with a focus on driving a sustainable step change in performance for the benefit of all our shareholders and other stakeholders. I have enjoyed my four years at Kumba enormously, setting South Africa’s largest iron ore producer on the next stage of its growth journey and, most recently, delivering a world class new iron ore mine at Kolomela – something for South Africa to be truly proud of. I wish Norman Mbazima and all of Kumba’s people well for the future.”

Neville Nicolau said: “I have enjoyed the significant challenges of leading the world’s leading platinum producer over the last four years, the pinnacle of my career with Anglo American. We have made progress in many areas, from safety to productivity, but I felt it was the right time to step aside and allow the next generation to take ownership of the review of the company that we have started and to take Anglo American Platinum to its next phase. I wish Chris all the very best and thank all our talented people for their hard work and support.”

Bongani Nqwababa, CFO of Anglo American Platinum, will act as Interim CEO with immediate effect until Mr Griffith takes up his new role on 1 September 2012.