The South African and former Guyana Goldfields CFO has been appointed as Sherritt’s new CEO.
Toronto-listed Sherritt International has announced the appointment of South African Leon Binedell as president and CEO, starting on 1 June. He will succeed current president and CEO David Pathe, who announced his intentions to step down in November 2020.
“I am excited to be joining Sherritt at this important juncture in its ongoing transformation as the company continues to capitalise on growing demand for high-purity nickel and cobalt, while also expanding its technologies business,” Leon said.
He added that Sherritt's exposure to the electric vehicle revolution and unique ability to deliver crucial hydrometallurgy technology illustrates that the business has a compelling future. “I look forward to building on the nearly 100 years of Sherrit’s history in innovation and to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while continuing our focus on safe, environmentally conscious operations for the benefit of our employees and various stakeholders.”
Leon most recently worked as CFO of Guyana Goldfields. He has served in a variety of senior leadership roles at leading mining companies, including nickel and other base metals businesses. Prior to joining Goldfields, he served as finance operating executie with Resource Capital Funds. He has also worked at PwC, Glencore and Koniambo Nickel.
Chairperson Richard Lapthorne said that, in searching for its new chief executive, the Sherritt board was mindful of the need to recruit a candidate with the strategic capability to drive the company’s future agenda whilst at the same time possessing a thorough understanding of mining. “I am delighted with Leon’s appointment. He is a dedicated leader whose deep sector expertise and proven ability to deliver results in complex stakeholder and multi-jurisdictional landscapes will be great advantages for Sherritt for many years to come. His proactivity, high ethics, strategic mindset and dependability make him a true asset, and we are confident in Sherritt’s ability to create significant value under his leadership.”
