Newmont Corporation has announced that long-serving Chief Executive Officer Tom Palmer will step down at the end of 2025, with President and Chief Operating Officer Natascha Viljoen set to succeed him in the top role from 1 January 2026.
The move is part of the mining giant’s long-term succession plan and will see Palmer, who has been CEO since 2019, resign from both the board and his executive post on 31 December 2025. He will remain with the company as a strategic advisor until 31 March 2026 to support a smooth transition of leadership.
In a statement, Viljoen said she was honoured to take on the leadership of Newmont at a critical point in the company’s history. “I am honored to serve as the next CEO of Newmont at this pivotal moment. With deep respect for our legacy, I am grounded about the work ahead. We have assembled the industry’s strongest portfolio of long-life gold and copper assets, which we are determined to manage safely and effectively. We will combine operational excellence, cost discipline and judicious capital allocation to ensure strong financial performance, systematically unlocking more value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. Together with our employees, we will shape a Newmont that is stronger, simpler and more resilient. I want to express my gratitude to Tom for his mentorship and support, and to the Board for entrusting me with the responsibility to lead Newmont into its next phase of growth,” she said.
Viljoen joined Newmont in 2023 as Executive Vice President and COO, bringing with her more than 30 years of global leadership experience across a range of commodities and regions. Before joining Newmont, she served as CEO of Anglo American Platinum (now Valterra), the world’s largest primary producer of platinum, and was a member of the Anglo American plc Group Management Committee. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Anglo American, BHP and Lonmin, gaining extensive operational and leadership experience and building a strong reputation for safety, efficiency and team performance.
Palmer, the 10th CEO in Newmont’s 104-year history, joined the company in 2014 as Senior Vice President for Indonesia and was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2016.
“After 12 years with Newmont, and almost 40 years in the mining industry, it is time for me to retire and hand over to Natascha to lead our Company through the next chapter in its storied history,” said Palmer. “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Newmont. I thank our Board for its guidance and partnership throughout my time in the role, our Executive Leadership Team and all of our teams across the world for their support in shaping our business into the industry leader it is today. I am confident that Natascha and Newmont will seize the many opportunities that lie ahead for our business.”
Greg Boyce, Chair of Newmont’s Board of Directors, praised Palmer’s leadership and influence during his tenure. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Tom for his dedication to the growth and advancement of this business,” he said. “His knowledge of our operations, commitment to the development of our future leaders and passion for the industry have played a key role in shaping what is one of the strongest portfolios in the industry today.”
“We are delighted to welcome Natascha as our next CEO. Over the last two years as our COO, Natascha has proven to be an expert operator and inspiring leader. We are fortunate to have Natascha lead Newmont with a clear focus on unlocking value across our world-class portfolio.”
The leadership transition marks a significant moment for Newmont as it prepares for its next chapter under Viljoen’s stewardship. Palmer’s retirement will bring to a close more than a decade of service at the company and nearly four decades in the mining sector.
