In an industry long defined by its rugged, male-dominated image, a historic shift is underway. Newmont Corporation, the world’s largest gold mining company, announced Tuesday that South African-born Natascha Viljoen will become its next President and Chief Executive Officer, making her the first woman to lead the $99.45 billion behemoth.
Viljoen, who currently serves as Newmont’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role on Jan. 1, 2026, following the retirement of current CEO Tom Palmer. The appointment marks a defining moment for gender representation in the global resources sector and underscores the growing influence of African leadership on the world stage.
“Natascha has proven to be an expert operator and an inspiring leader,” said Newmont Chairperson Greg Boyce in a statement. “Her deep operational experience, strategic clarity and commitment to our values make her the ideal leader to guide Newmont into the future.”
For Viljoen, 55, the ascent to the top of an American corporate powerhouse is a remarkable journey that began in Klerksdorp, a mining town in South Africa’s North West province. Her career started over three decades ago as a trainee engineer at Iscor in 1991.
From that foundation, she built a formidable resume, accumulating expertise across global giants like BHP, AngloGold Ashanti, and Lonmin. Her reputation as a sharp, resilient leader was cemented when she became the CEO of Anglo American Platinum in 2020, placing her among a very small group of women worldwide leading a major mining firm.
Colleagues and industry observers point to her tenure there as a critical period that showcased her mettle. She steered the company through significant social and market volatility in South Africa, earning respect for an unwavering focus on operational safety and efficiency.
“She navigates complexity with a calm determination that is both effective and inspiring,” said a former colleague at Anglo American Platinum, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
Viljoen joined Newmont as COO in 2023, a move now seen as a strategic succession step. In that role, she managed the company’s vast global portfolio of assets spanning North and South America, Africa, and Australia, giving her a direct, hands-on understanding of the entire corporation.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the mining industry. Companies like Newmont face mounting pressure from investors, governments, and communities to balance profitability with stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The era of simply digging gold out of the ground is over; today’s miners are expected to be partners in sustainability and social development.
Outgoing CEO Tom Palmer, who will retire at the end of 2025 after a 30-year career with Newmont, endorsed Viljoen as the right leader for this new chapter.
“It is the right time to hand over to someone with Natascha’s experience and vision,” Palmer said, calling her promotion the start of a “new era” for the company.
Viljoen’s track record suggests a leader well-equipped for these challenges. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of the North West and an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town. Her deep experience in environmental management and complex stakeholder engagement, particularly in challenging jurisdictions, is expected to be a core asset as Newmont navigates the future of responsible mining.
Her rise is also a symbolic breakthrough, celebrated far beyond Newmont’s Denver headquarters.
“This is a monumental moment for women in the mining sector globally,” said Anabel Gomez, head of the non-profit Women in Mining International. “For decades, the C-suite in mining was an impenetrable boys’ club. To see a highly qualified woman like Natascha break that final glass ceiling in the world’s biggest gold company sends a powerful message to every young girl considering a career in this field: the top seat is for you, too.”
Viljoen’s influence has already been recognized on the global stage. She is a two-time honoree on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women International list and has been featured among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.
As she prepares to take the helm, the industry will be watching closely. Her leadership will not only dictate the trajectory of a company with a market capitalization rivaling small nations but will also serve as a test case for a more inclusive and accountable era in one of the world’s oldest industries.
For a young engineer from Klerksdorp, it’s the pinnacle of a lifelong journey with the rocks—and now, the responsibility of shaping the very future of gold.
