'End of an era' as Neil Froneman announces retirement as Sibanye-Stillwater CEO

Stephen Grootes discusses Froneman's legacy with Bernard Swanepoel, convener of the Joburg Indaba and a former mining CEO.

The CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, Neal Froneman, has announced his retirement effective from the end of September this year. 

Froneman will be succeeded by Richard Stewart, currently Chief Regional Officer for the Southern Africa region.

Stewart’s appointment is testament to the quality and depth of leadership at Sibanye-Stillwater and the well-considered Group succession planning processes, the mining company said in a statement.

Froneman has led the Group since 2013, 'guiding the initial turnaround of the three mature gold mines it inherited from Gold Fields'.

Stephen Grootes discusses Froneman's legacy with Bernard Swanepoel, convener of the Joburg Indaba and himself a former mining CEO (Harmony Gold).

Swanepoel describes him in the first place as a company builder and a great leader of people.

Froneman's contribution to the industry cannot be under-estimated, says Swanepoel.

"I think of Froneman as one of the critical people in our industry in the last thirty years; he's played a significant role in its transformation." 

Bernard Swanepoel, Convener - Joburg Indaba

"He's saved mines, he's extended the life of mines... It's the end of an era of a very great career."

Bernard Swanepoel, Convener - Joburg Indaba

To hear more from Swanepoel, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article