South32 has announced that Chief Executive Officer Graham Kerr will step down in 2026 after over a decade in the role. The company has named Matthew Daley, currently technical and operations director at Anglo American, as his successor. Daley will join South32 as deputy CEO on February 2, 2026, before assuming the top position later that year.
Kerr has led South32 since October 2014 and oversaw the company’s spin-off from BHP and its subsequent public listing in May 2015. Under his leadership, South32 restructured its portfolio and expanded its international footprint.
Daley joined Anglo American in 2017 as group head of mining and currently serves as technical and operations director. Before that, he held the role of executive general manager of Glencore’s Canadian copper division. South32 stated that Daley’s appointment followed a global recruitment process involving both internal and external candidates.
South32 Chair Karen Wood thanked Kerr for his contributions over the past decade and said the company was well positioned for a smooth leadership transition. She added that Daley brings deep operational experience, particularly in copper and in the Americas, making him well suited for the role.
Following the announcement, Anglo American confirmed that Tom McCulley has been appointed technical director, replacing Daley with immediate effect.
South32 shares rose on the news, up 3.6% to ZAR33.55 in Johannesburg and 4.6% to 140.20 pence in London on Monday morning.
