Newmont has announced the appointment of Francois Hardy as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Francois will join Newmont’s Executive Leadership Team and will lead the technical endeavours across the business aimed at enhancing operational performance and fostering growth.
Francois will succeed interim CTO Dean Gehring, who also held the position of Newmont’s Chief Integration Officer. Following a transition period, Dean will depart from the company in early July.
With over 30 years of technical and operational experience in the mining industry, Francois brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His tenure with Newmont since 2002 has seen him in various capacities, including Group Head of Exploration, Managing Director for Africa, and General Manager of Tanami.
“Francois is a seasoned leader with extensive technical acumen and a proven track record of driving operational excellence. His appointment will bolster Newmont’s Executive Leadership Team, contributing valuable technological insight crucial to our ongoing success,” remarked Tom Palmer, President, and CEO of Newmont.
Prior to his tenure at Newmont, Francois held executive positions at Avmin Ltd and De Beers Consolidated Mines. His appointment comes at a significant juncture in Newmont’s journey, tasked with exploring innovative approaches and new technologies to further enhance operational efficiency.
Francois holds a BSc in Mine Engineering from the Technikon Witwatersrand (now University of Johannesburg) and a National Higher Diploma in Metalliferous Mining from the University of Johannesburg.
Based at Newmont’s headquarters in Denver, Francois will assume his new role effective May 1, 2024.