Staff Writer
Canadian gold producer B2Gold Corp, owner of the B2Gold mine in Namibia, has announced a leadership change.
President and chief executive officer Clive Johnson will retire at the company’s annual general meeting on 4 June. He will also step down as a director.
The board has appointed Mike Cinnamond, currently senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, as the new president and CEO. Cinnamond will also join the board.
Johnson has led B2Gold since it was founded in 2007. During his tenure, the company grew from a junior exploration firm into an international gold producer. It now operates four mines and produces about one million ounces of gold each year.
The company also holds development and exploration projects in several countries.
As part of the transition, Johnson will take on the honorary role of chair emeritus. The position will allow him to remain available to the board and senior management.
Reflecting on his time at the company, Johnson said it had been a privilege to lead B2Gold since its formation.
He said timely and well-executed acquisitions helped shape the company into a leading gold producer with a diversified portfolio of operating mines and development projects.
He said the company’s focus on values, operational efficiency and transparency helped attract and retain skilled employees. Johnson also referred to the company’s contributions to host communities and said he hopes B2Gold’s presence has left them better off.
Johnson said he believes the time is right to “pass the torch” and expressed confidence in Cinnamond’s ability to lead the next phase of growth. He said he looks forward to seeing the company continue to create long-term sustainable value for shareholders.
The appointment of Cinnamond within the company signals continuity in leadership and strategy.
