Newmont Breaks Ground with Natascha Viljoen as First Female CEO

• Tom Palmer to retire as CEO and Board member on December 31, 2025
• Natascha Viljoen appointed as President and CEO effective January 1, 2026
• Viljoen becomes first woman to lead Newmont in over 100 years
• Palmer to serve as strategic advisor through March 31, 2026
• Details disclosed on executive compensation and restrictive covenants

Leadership Transition at Newmont

Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold producer, has announced a significant leadership change with the retirement of CEO Tom Palmer effective December 31, 2025. Palmer, who has helmed the company since 2019 and been with Newmont for over a decade, will step down from both his CEO role and Board membership. This marks the end of an era for Newmont, which has seen Palmer guide the company through transformative acquisitions and operational milestones.

Stepping into the CEO role will be Natascha Viljoen, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, who will assume leadership on January 1, 2026. Viljoen’s appointment is historic, as she becomes the first woman to lead Newmont in its more than 100-year history. Her extensive experience spans over 30 years in the mining industry, including senior roles at Anglo American Platinum and Lonmin, bringing a wealth of operational expertise and strategic vision to the company.

A Seamless Succession Plan

To ensure a smooth transition, Palmer will remain with Newmont as a strategic advisor until March 31, 2026. This advisory period is designed to support Viljoen and the executive leadership team as they navigate the company’s next chapter. The Board has expressed confidence in Viljoen’s ability to lead, highlighting her operational discipline, safety leadership, and commitment to value creation.

Viljoen’s recent promotion to President and COO in May 2025 expanded her responsibilities to include oversight of global operations, projects, and sustainability initiatives. Her leadership style emphasizes operational excellence, cost discipline, and judicious capital allocation, aligning with Newmont’s strategic priorities.

Compensation and Governance Details

Newmont disclosed Viljoen’s compensation package, which includes a base salary of $1.2 million, eligibility for a short-term incentive bonus targeting 150% of her base salary, and long-term equity incentives valued at $7 million. These incentives are structured to align her interests with shareholder value creation. Viljoen will also join the Board as a non-independent director, further integrating her leadership role within the company’s governance framework.

Palmer’s advisory role comes with continued base salary and vesting of his 2024 performance stock units, subject to certain restrictive covenants including a 12-month non-compete clause post-employment. These measures reflect Newmont’s commitment to protecting its strategic interests during leadership transitions.

Looking Ahead

Viljoen’s appointment signals a new phase for Newmont, one that balances respect for its storied legacy with a clear focus on operational resilience and sustainable growth. Her deep industry knowledge and leadership acumen position her well to steer the company through evolving market dynamics and stakeholder expectations.

As Newmont prepares to enter this next chapter, investors and industry watchers will be keen to observe how Viljoen’s leadership shapes the company’s strategic direction, particularly in areas of portfolio optimisation, sustainability, and capital discipline.

Bottom Line?

Newmont’s leadership handover to Natascha Viljoen sets the stage for a transformative era, investors will watch closely for her strategic imprint.

Questions in the middle?

• How will Viljoen’s leadership style influence Newmont’s operational and sustainability strategies?
• What are the implications of Palmer’s non-compete and advisory terms on competitive dynamics?
• Will Newmont’s capital allocation priorities shift under the new CEO’s tenure?