Jim North appointed acting CEO of Ferrexpo

Ferrexpo announced the appointment of James ‘Jim’ North as its acting chief executive officer on Monday, effective from the end of its annual general meeting, to be held on 28 May.

The FTSE 250 company said North would combine his role as chief operating officer with the acting CEO position.

He would not join the board, but would be invited to attend all board meetings, the directors said, adding that Chris Mawe had been asked to return to his previous role as chief financial officer.

The board said North, as COO, had a “strong focus” on operational matters, which would allow the company to increase its attention on future growth, subject to market conditions and cash flow generation.

He had also been, and would continue to be, responsible for the development of an enhanced health and safety culture, including ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its workforce during the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

“Jim joined Ferrexpo in November 2014 and since then he has successfully managed the company's operations and introduced world class operating practices,” the Ferrexpo board said in its statement.

“Previously, Jim was chief operating officer of London Mining, where he was accountable for setting the company's operational and investment strategy around the world.”

Prior to that, it said he held a variety of senior operational management roles with Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Mount Isa Mines in Africa, South America and Australia.

“During this time, he focused on general management, project development and operations improvement and turnaround, across multiple commodities including iron ore, coal, base metals and aluminium.”