Fresnillo ropes in Andre Sougarret Larroquete as its new COO

Fresnillo confirmed the appointment of André Sougarret Larroquete as its new chief operating officer on Wednesday, to oversee the safe and efficient running of its existing mines.

The FTSE 100 firm said the 53-year-old Sougarret Larroquete was bringing a “significant” track record in the mining sector with him.

His most recent appointment was as executive vice president at the National Mining Company (ENAMI), an organisation responsible for the growth of the mining industry in Chile.

Prior to joining ENAMI, Sougarret Larroquete held several positions at the Teniente division of Codelco, implementing best practice methods across the entire division.

In addition to his sector experience, Sougarret Larroquete reportedly shared Fresnillo's cultural commitment to safety and providing its workers with safe working environments, the board reported.

His previous roles also included general manager of the Centinela and Esperanza mines at Antofagasta.

Sougarret Larroquete held a degree in mining engineering from the University of Chile, and an MBA in company administration from Loyola College.

He was joining Fresnillo following the retirement of Roberto Díaz.

Díaz had a “remarkable career” in the mining industry and with Fresnillo, the board said, starting his career with its parent company Peñoles in 1977.

Following other roles around the world, he rejoined Peñoles in 2007, and before being appointed chief operating officer in 2013, he served as vice-president of operations.

“I would like to welcome André to Fresnillo,” said chief executive officer Octavio Alvídrez.

“He has an outstanding track record and we have no doubt he will provide strong operational leadership as we deliver on the significant potential of Fresnillo, both in terms of its existing portfolio, but also its extensive growth pipeline.

“On behalf of the board, and the whole company, I would like to thank Roberto for the huge contribution he has made to Fresnillo.”