Daley Steps into South32 CEO Role, Succeeding Kerr After Anglo American Exit
Global mining and metals company South32 (JSE: S32) has announced the appointment of Matthew Daley as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), coinciding with a leadership transition at his former employer, Anglo American. Daley will succeed Graham Kerr, who will step down from the helm of South32 later in 2026 after a distinguished tenure since the company’s 2015 demerger from BHP.
Daley is slated to join South32 as Deputy CEO on February 2, 2026, before officially taking over the CEO role later in the year. He brings over two decades of experience in the mining and metals sector, transitioning from his current position as Technical and Operations Director and a member of the executive leadership team at Anglo American. His career also includes significant roles at Glencore, Xstrata, and Minera Alumbrera.
The South32 board’s decision to appoint Daley followed “an extensive global search encompassing both internal and external candidates”. South32 Chair Karen Wood lauded Kerr’s pivotal role in the company’s evolution and the establishment of its core values. She expressed strong confidence in Daley’s extensive operational and leadership acumen, particularly his experience in the copper sector and the Americas, deeming him the ideal leader for South32’s next growth phase.
Daley’s remuneration package at South32 includes a fixed annual salary of A$2 million, along with short- and long-term incentives and compensation for forfeited benefits from Anglo American, all subject to shareholder approval. He will be relocating from the United Kingdom to Australia as part of his new responsibilities.
McCulley Takes the Helm as Technical Director at Anglo American After Daley’s Exit
In a related development at Anglo American, the company announced the immediate appointment of Tom McCulley as its new Technical Director. McCulley, who will also retain his responsibilities for Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business and remain on the Executive Leadership Team, succeeds Daley in this role. This swift appointment underscores Anglo American’s commitment to maintaining leadership continuity. McCulley will work closely with Daley in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
These concurrent leadership changes at both South32 and Anglo American occur as South32 strategically pivots towards commodities vital for the energy transition, having divested from coal assets and increased its focus on metals like copper and zinc. The appointment of an executive with Daley’s background signals a clear continuation of this strategic direction for South32.
Editorial: @lloydnedohe_ on X, Email: info@esgfrontiers.co.za
