Johannesburg- and London-listed integrated resource group Tharisa has appointed former Petra Diamonds CFO Jacques Breytenbach as CFO designate, with effect from May 1.
He will succeed Michael Jones, who is retiring as CFO with effect from July 31, and will take up the position of CFO and executive director from August 1. Tharisa, which owns chrome and platinum group metal (PGM) operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, says this provides for a comprehensive handover period to ensure continuity and stability within the finance function.
Breytenbach is a seasoned CFO and nonexecutive director with over 25 years’ experience in integrated mining operations including the diamond and PGM sectors across Africa. He has extensive experience in the listed environment, across both the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, as well as capital structuring.
His broader expertise encompasses the shaping of financial strategy, optimising return on investment, leading full financial functions across diverse geographies, including South Africa, Tanzania and other geographies within sub-Saharan Africa, debt and equity fundraising and implementing robust governance frameworks and digital systems to support growth in multinational, asset-based organisations.
He served as the CFO of Petra Diamonds for eight years from 2016 to 2024, having previously served as group finance manager between 2006 and 2016. Prior to this, he served as finance manager at Anglo American Platinum – now Valterra Platinum – from 2001 to 2006.
He also served as a nonexecutive director and member of the Audit Committee of JSE-listed Afrimat from June 2025 to April 21 this year.
Tharisa says Breytenbach’s strong strategic and operational finance experience will add considerable value to the Tharisa group.
“The board congratulates Jacques on his appointment and looks forward to the valuable contribution he will make to the Ggoup.
“The board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Michael Jones for his exceptional and dedicated service as CFO over the past 13 years. His tenure has been defined by an unwavering commitment to the Tharisa group that went far beyond the execution of his responsibilities, one that helped shape Tharisa into the integrated, resilient and financially disciplined business it is today. The legacy he leaves is one of financial rigour and institutional strength and the board extends its sincere appreciation for everything he has given to Tharisa, wishing him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement,” the Tharisa board of directors states. – (Mining Weekly)
