Board changes
12 March, 2002
Anglo American plc ("Anglo American") announces that Göran Lindahl, a non-executive director, has today informed the board of directors that he has decided to step down as Deputy Chairman and Chairman-elect of Anglo American.
Mr Lindahl will remain as a non-executive director of Anglo American.
Julian Ogilvie Thompson, who was due to retire from the board of Anglo American on May 10 2002 following the Annual General Meeting, has been invited, and agreed, to continue as non-executive Chairman until a successor is appointed. The process of identifying a successor has been set in motion.
Julian Ogilvie Thompson commented: 'Göran Lindahl has kept me and Sir David Scholey, our senior independent non-executive director, informed of developments throughout the ABB controversy. He indicated at an early stage, that if there were any risk of the Company becoming associated with negative perceptions, he would not wish to assume the Chairmanship of Anglo American. We were pleased that our due diligence confirmed that no blame for any irregularity falls to Göran Lindahl in this matter. Accordingly, whilst accepting his judgement, the Board is delighted that he will continue to make his expertise and knowledge available as a non-executive director.
Göran Lindahl commented: 'I have taken the decision not to allow my name to go forward for the Chairmanship of Anglo American with great regret. However, I am determined that the Company should not become distracted by becoming involved in matters connected with my former employment. I feel that the outstanding team at Anglo American, whom I have got to know over the last six months, deserve better than that. I am glad, however, that I shall play a role in the future direction of the Company, as a member of the Board.'
Note to Editors:
Anglo American plc is one of the world's largest mining and natural resource groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global leader in gold, platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests in coal, base and ferrous metals, industrial minerals and forest products. The group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North American and Australia.
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