Appian Capital Advisory has named mining executive Rob Atkinson as its new senior operating partner, strengthening the investment firm’s operational and technical capabilities as it continues to grow its portfolio across the metals and mining sector.

Atkinson, who most recently served as executive VP and COO of Newmont, brings more than three decades of global experience spanning operations, productivity and project delivery. He joins Appian’s senior team to provide operational oversight across its portfolio companies and will sit on the firm’s investment committee to advise on potential investments.

“We are very pleased to welcome Rob to Appian as a senior operating partner. With extensive experience managing and delivering major projects with leading diversified mining companies, Rob’s leadership and operations expertise will be an invaluable asset to our portfolio companies,” said Appian founder and CEO Michael Scherb.

“As we look to deploy Fund III across equity, royalties and credit, his insights will also help us to identify and prioritise high-quality investments. We look forward to working with Rob to help realise our strategic ambitions.”

During his five-year tenure at Newmont, Atkinson oversaw a portfolio of 12 producing assets and a major joint venture, leading operations and project delivery. His prior roles include head of productivity and technical support at Rio Tinto, where he spearheaded a $5-billion productivity improvement strategy, and COO for Rio Tinto’s copper operations across Asia, North and South America.

He also held senior positions at Energy Resources of Australia as chief executive and at Weipa Bauxite as general manager.

“I am delighted to be joining Appian at an exciting time for the business,” said Atkinson. “Its long-term investment strategy, combined with a deep in-house financial and technical expertise that responsibly optimizes portfolio companies, uniquely positions the business in the metals and mining sector. I look forward to working alongside Appian’s talented team helping to safely unlock further value and growth opportunities.”