Ketso Gordhan has resigned as CEO and Executive Director of the Board of PPC with immediate effect.
Gordhan regrettably resigned due to differences of opinion with the board, regarding board procedures for the approval of certain decisions. Chamber of Mines chief executive and non-executive chairman of PPC Bheki Sibiya had been appointed interim executive chairman of PPC. “This interim appointment has been approved by the office-bearers of the Chamber of Mines and is with immediate effect and until 31 December 2014,” said a Chamber of Mines statement. The chamber’s chief operating officer, Roger Baxter, will serve as acting chief executive until the end of December 2014. Tim Ross, an independent non-executive director and chairman of the Audit Committee, has agreed to assume the role of Lead Independent Director of the Board at PPC. The process to recruit and appoint a CEO has commenced.“Ketso has been instrumental in the execution of the African expansion strategy of PPC which has now gained significant traction. He also should be commended for his excellent work on closing the remuneration gap within the organisation as well as implementing an innovative employee housing support initiative,” said Sibiya
“PPC has a capable and experienced management team led by Pepe Meijer, Managing Director – International, who has over twenty five years´ experience with the company. He will continue to implement the expansion of the business into the rest of Africa. The South African business remains in good hands under the leadership of Richard Tomes and Johan Claassen as Joint Managing Directors, who collectively have over 40 years of experience at PPC.” Gordhan said, “I have really enjoyed my time at PPC and am proud to have implemented a number of new initiatives and seen the company on an exciting growth path. I am leaving with a heavy heart.” Gordhan has agreed to continue providing input to crucial projects that he was leading. The Board of PPC has thanked Gordhan for his contribution and wishes him well in his future endeavours.