Magara, a Zimbabwean-born engineer, became Exxaro's chief executive on 1 April 2025, replacing Nombasa Tsengwa. He previously ran Anglo Coal South Africa, headed engineering and projects at Anglo American Platinum and was chief executive of Lonmin from 2012 in the aftermath of Marikana. At Exxaro he has pushed diversification beyond coal, including the R11.67bn purchase of a 60% stake in the Tshipi Borwa manganese mine, which first contributed to earnings in the 2026 interim period.
Career moves on record
- Appointed
Chief Executive Officer, Exxaro Resources
Exxaro appointed former Lonmin chief executive Ben Magara as CEO from 1 April 2025, ending a period in which finance director Riaan Koppeschaar had acted in the role after the previous chief executive's departure. Magara, who already sat on Exxaro's board, was given a mandate to steer the coal and iron-ore group towards energy-transition minerals.
