Wim De Klerk (pictured), currently FD of Exxaro, has been appointed CEO of ArcelorMittal and an executive director to the board, effective 1 September 2016.
De Klerk says that while he is sad to leave Exxaro, his "family for the last 10 years", he is extremely excited to go back to his roots where he started 20 years ago in Iscor Steel.
With regards to what he hopes to achieve in his new role De Klerk said:
"For the future of this beautiful country it is an absolute imperative we encourage and support a successful steel industry. ArcelorMittal is pivotal to that success and I will work tirelessly with government, labour and all other stakeholders to ensure we remain relevant in future. We will have to find the formula that assists all player to be sustainable!"
It is becoming increasingly common for CFOs to become CEOs. When asked about this De Klerk said:
"A CFO has the distinct advantage to interact with stakeholders directly and side by side with the CEO. While the CEO is the face of the business, a great CFO is his support behind the scenes. Inevitably the stakeholders find comfort in that relationship and role play and look at the CFO to understand all nuances of the business."
De Klerk holds a BAcc degree (honours) from the University of Pretoria, an executive management diploma from Darden as well as a strategic marketing diploma from Harvard. He is a qualified chartered accountant (SA).
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