KEY POINTS
- Beyers Nel, currently Group Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Peter Steenkamp as CEO on January 1, 2025.
- Nel brings 24 years of mining experience, particularly in South African gold mining operations, with a focus on deep and ultra-deep level mining.
- Floyd Masemula, current Executive: Operating Officer of South African operations, will assume the role of Deputy Group CEO, tasked with overseeing South African mines.
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has announced that Beyers Nel will take over as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director on January 1, 2025.
Nel, who has been with Harmony since 2003 and most recently served as Group Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Peter Steenkamp, who retires after a nine-year tenure. The appointment is expected to bring continuity and strategic leadership, as Harmony seeks to build on Steenkamp’s legacy.
Nel: Mining expert and Harmony’s new group CEO
According to the released statement, Nel, who holds a mining engineering degree from the University of Pretoria and an MBA from the University of Chicago, has been integral to Harmony’s South African operations. Appointed Chief Operating Officer of South Africa in 2016, he advanced to Group COO in early 2023. His industry background includes leadership roles in mine management and safety, and he chairs the Mines Rescue Services board, further highlighting his expertise in mining operations and risk management.
Focus on South African operations with deputy CEO appointment
In a complementary move, Harmony has appointed Floyd Masemula as Deputy Group CEO to focus on the South African operations, reflecting the importance of these assets to the company. Masemula joined Harmony in July 2023, following executive roles in the platinum and gold sectors, including at Sibanye-Stillwater. With two decades of mining experience, Masemula’s operational expertise will be vital as Harmony continues to optimize its South African portfolio. He holds a mining engineering degree and an MBA from WITS Business School.
Acknowledging Steenkamp’s leadership and a new chapter ahead
Harmony’s Chairman, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, praised the leadership of Steenkamp, who has steered Harmony’s growth trajectory since 2016. “Beyers Nel will bring operational continuity along with strong mining leadership to drive Harmony’s next growth phase. We are grateful for Peter Steenkamp’s contributions, which have laid a solid foundation for future success.”
With a well-rounded management team led by Nel and Masemula, Harmony is well-positioned to enter an exciting new phase, focusing on operational excellence, growth, and further success within the South African mining industry.
