Ruben Fernandes Appointed As CEO Of Anglo American In Brazil

Anglo American announces the appointment of Ruben Fernandes as CEO of Anglo American in Brazil. In addition to his current role as CEO of Anglo American’s Nickel and Niobium & Phosphates businesses, Ruben Fernandes will also lead the Iron Ore Brazil business (Minas-Rio), with effect 20 June 2016.

Ruben Fernandes will continue to report to Duncan Wanblad (CEO of Base Metals & Minerals) in respect of the Nickel and Niobium & Phosphates businesses, whose divestment processes are progressing, and to Seamus French (CEO of Bulk Commodities) in relation to Iron Ore Brazil.

Pedro Borrego, who has served as Interim CEO of Iron Ore Brazil since November 2015 and was integral to the development and commissioning of the Minas-Rio operation over many years, will assist Ruben Fernandes with the transition over the coming months, prior to taking up a new role based at Anglo American’s London headquarters.

Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Base Metals & Minerals, said: “We congratulate Ruben Fernandes on his appointment to lead our Brazilian businesses. While we are currently progressing divestment processes for our Nickel and Niobium & Phosphates businesses, Ruben is well placed to provide leadership across Anglo American’s interests in Brazil.”

Seamus French, CEO of Bulk Commodities, added: “I thank Pedro Borrego for his enormous contribution to Minas-Rio throughout its development and initial ramp-up and for his leadership as Interim CEO, delivering greater operational stability and further operating cost reductions. We welcome Ruben Fernandes in what is a critical few years for Minas-Rio, in terms of both optimising the operation for the current iron ore price and the operation’s ongoing licensing requirements. Securing the necessary licences that underpin the full ramp-up over time will ensure the long term sustainability of Minas-Rio for all its stakeholders in Brazil and elsewhere.”