South African-born mining executive Natascha Viljoen is set to become the first woman to lead Newmont Corporation, the world’s largest gold mining company, with a market capitalization of nearly $99.5 billion (R1.72 trillion).
Her appointment marks a groundbreaking milestone for gender representation in the global mining industry.
Newmont announced that Viljoen, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026, following the planned retirement of outgoing CEO Tom Palmer.
“Natascha has proven to be an expert operator and an inspiring leader,” said Greg Boyce, Chairperson of Newmont’s Board, commending her leadership and strategic insight.
Born in Klerksdorp, a mining town in South Africa’s North West province, Viljoen’s career began in 1991 as a trainee engineer at Iscor.
Over the next three decades, she rose through the ranks of global mining giants, including BHP, AngloGold, and Lonmin, before becoming CEO of Anglo American Platinum in 2020 — one of the few women to ever lead a major international mining company.
Viljoen holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of the North West and an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town.
Her leadership at Anglo American Platinum earned her a reputation for operational excellence and strong stakeholder engagement, particularly during challenging periods for South Africa’s mining sector.
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In 2023, she joined Newmont as COO, overseeing operations across multiple continents — a role that prepared her for the company’s top leadership position.
Outgoing CEO Tom Palmer described the transition as timely, saying,
“It’s the right moment to hand over to someone with Natascha’s experience and vision.”
Viljoen’s appointment comes as the global mining industry faces mounting pressure to balance profitability with sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility.
Her deep expertise in environmental management and community relations positions her to lead Newmont into a future focused on responsible and inclusive mining.
A two-time honoree on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women International list, Viljoen has also been recognized among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, underscoring her influence on the world stage.
Her rise not only cements Africa’s growing leadership presence in global industries but also serves as a powerful symbol of progress for women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
As she prepares to take the helm in 2026, Viljoen’s journey from the heart of South Africa’s mining belt to the top of a $99 billion global enterprise stands as a testament to resilience, expertise, and the unstoppable potential of women in leadership.
