OREANDA-NEWS. Anglo American plc (“Anglo American”) announces the appointment of Mr Ruben Fernandes as CEO of its Nickel, Niobium and Phosphates businesses, with effect 1 December 2013, following Anglo American’s decision to combine the management of the three commodity businesses.

Walter De Simoni, CEO of the Nickel business since 2009, has decided to leave Anglo American to pursue other opportunities. Ruben Fernandes, currently CEO of Anglo American’s Niobium and Phosphates businesses, will report to Duncan Wanblad, CEO of the Base Metals and Minerals group.

Duncan Wanblad, Anglo American’s CEO of Base Metals and Minerals, said: "Ruben Fernandes has already made a significant contribution to the Niobium and Phosphates businesses. His strong leadership and commercial acumen will help him successfully combine the management of Nickel, Niobium and Phosphates as we create optimal value through improved performance."

Ruben Fernandes commented: "I am delighted to take up my new role as CEO of Nickel, Niobium and Phosphates. I look forward to working with our people to create an effective and efficient combined management team to build upon the recent progress made to turn around the Nickel business and to continue the improved performance in Niobium and Phosphates."

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "I congratulate Ruben Fernandes on his appointment to head the Nickel, Niobium and Phosphates businesses. I expect his leadership and expertise across the Brazilian mining industry will enable us to realise the full potential of our well differentiated assets. I would like to thank Walter De Simoni for his 36 years of dedication to Anglo American, the last four of which as CEO of Nickel. Walter joined Anglo American as a Mining Engineer in 1978 and has worked tirelessly to build up our nickel operations in South America, achieving outstanding results and recognition for safety and sustainability, particularly during the development of the complex Barro Alto nickel project. We wish him well for the next stage of his career."