Mentor
Mark Cutifani
Overview
Mark Cutifani was CEO of Anglo American plc (2013–2022), where he steered one of the world’s largest mining groups through a period of intense operational, financial, and cultural renewal. Taking the helm during a commodity downturn, he executed a radical portfolio restructure, halving the number of assets while significantly improving safety, productivity, and returns. His tenure not only restored Anglo American’s financial resilience but also repositioned the company as a leader in responsible mining, innovation, and sustainability.
Mark is Chair of Global Tailings Management Institute, an organisation which works to promote safety across the mining industry. He also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Woodside Energy Group Ltd, and is a Strategic Adviser at Chalice Mining Ltd. Previously, he was an Independent Director at TotalEnergies, and served as Senior Independent Director and Sustainability Committee Chair at Laing O’Rourke plc.
He was Chair of Vale Base Metals, where he has oversaw the newly ring-fenced nickel, copper, and cobalt division of Brazil’s Vale S.A., and guided the unit through a strategic repositioning aimed at growth and efficiency in preparation for an anticipated liquidity event. Mark was previously Chair of De Beers Group of Companies and a Non-Executive Director of Anglo American Platinum Ltd.
Before Anglo American, Mark was CEO of AngloGold Ashanti, where he stabilised an over-hedged gold portfolio and significantly improved safety and performance. Earlier roles include COO of Vale Inco’s global nickel division, and leadership positions at Inco, Normandy Group, Sons of Gwalia, Western Mining Corporation and CRA (Rio Tinto).
He brings deep cross-sector expertise in:
• Mining turnaround & operational excellence – dramatically improved profitability, safety and efficiency at diversified mining companies
• Energy transition metals strategy – steering base-metal asset strategy, investor exit readiness, and ESG positioning
• Global resource governance – serving on boards of major energy and infrastructure firms, with a focus on sustainability and capital discipline
• Industry leadership, as Chair of International Committee for Mining and Metals (ICMM) he led the industry push into broadening its stakeholder and social engagement
• Stakeholder engagement & ethical leadership – rebuilt trust with employees, regulators, investors and communities through transparent, accountable governance
A graduate in mine engineering from the University of Wollongong, Mark began his career underground at Coal Cliff colliery in 1976. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, AusIMM, and IOM3, and was appointed CBE in 2024 for services to investment in the global mining industry. He has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award and multiple industry recognitions, including Mines and Money and the AusIMM Institute Medal.
Mark is known for his strategic clarity, moral courage, and ability to lead large-scale, culture-changing transformations. His current and past leadership roles combine technical depth with governance acumen, offering valuable insight to organisations navigating resource intensity, energy transition, and public trust.
PDF Profile
Download PDFMajor Career Roles
Anglo American plc
CEO
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd
CEO
Laing O’Rourke
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
TotalEnergies SE
Independent Director
Vale Base Metals
Chair
Power of Nutrition
Chair
Other Career Highlights
Anglo American Platinum Ltd
Non-Executive Director
De Beers
Chair
Laing O’Rourke
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Vale Inco Ltd
COO
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