OREANDA-NEWS. Anglo American plc (“Anglo American” or “the Group”) announces a number of senior management changes to manage the Group’s businesses more effectively and to align the organisation and management team with Anglo American’s strategic priorities to drive greater, sustainable value.

The consolidation of the metallurgical and thermal coal businesses will take effect from January 2014.

Tony O’Neill has been appointed Group Director – Technical, with responsibility for mining and technology, business performance, asset optimisation, projects and SHE (safety, health and environment. Mr O’Neill brings 35 years of mining experience across a wide range of commodities, including precious metals, iron ore and base metals, most recently serving as Joint Acting CEO and EVP – Business and Technical Development at AngloGold Ashanti. Mr O’Neill’s appointment is effective from 1 September 2013.

The appointment of Tony O’Neill follows the decisions to retire of Brian Beamish (Group Director – Mining and Technology) and David Weston (Group Director – Business Performance and Projects). Responsibility for Anglo American’s Commercial activities, currently managed by David Weston, will be assumed by Peter Whitcutt (Group Director – Strategy and Business Development). Renй Mйdori (Finance Director), Mervyn Walker (Group Director – HR and Corporate Affairs) and Khanyisile Kweyama (Executive Director of Anglo American South Africa) will continue in their current roles.

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “We have announced a number of management changes for Anglo American to create a more efficient and agile organisation and provide clearer accountability across the senior team. These decisive changes will enable us to drive through the necessary step change in operational performance and align our organisation tightly to our strategic objectives. We have organised our ten current businesses into six natural groups, ensuring that we more effectively harness the operational and commercial benefits of Anglo American’s scale and diversification.

“I am delighted to welcome Tony O’Neill to the team. Tony brings 35 years of operational and business expertise gained across a wide range of commodities, with a strong track record in managing complex, technically challenging mining operations. I expect Tony to strengthen our technical and operational capabilities as we focus Anglo American on delivering a step change in operational performance and project execution to drive value and enhanced returns to shareholders.

“I would like to thank Brian Beamish and David Weston for their considerable contributions to Anglo American over many years. Brian’s technical and operational expertise and David’s widespread commercial business experience have given us strong foundations from which to build Anglo American’s future.”