Tharisa announces leadership overhaul as founder steps down

Tharisa, a platinum and chrome producer, has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it prepares for its next growth phase. Founder Loucas Pouroulis will step down as executive chairman after more than 15 years in the role. Effective October 1, Pouroulis will transition to the position of Founding Chairman Emeritus, where he will remain available to advise the board on strategy and long-term growth.

Carol Bell, the current Lead Independent Director, will succeed Pouroulis as independent non-executive chairman. David Salter will take over as deputy chairman. The executive team is also being restructured, with Michelle Taylor appointed as Chief Corporate and Commercial Officer and Roy Murley becoming Chief Operations Officer.

The leadership changes coincide with critical operational transitions, including the shift of Tharisa’s South African operations from open-pit to underground mining and the development of the Karo Platinum Project in Zimbabwe. The Karo project, located on Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, is expected to deliver its first ore to the mill by the end of 2027.