Precious and battery metals producer Sibanye-Stillwater has appointed Finnish mining company Keliber's executive chairperson Mika Seitovirta as its chief regional officer for Europe.

This is in line with the group’s growth strategy in battery and green metals, focused predominantly on the European and North American regions. 

"Mika’s expertise and experience will allow us to build a solid base for participating in the emerging European battery material supply chains that we have begun establishing, through our recent acquisitions in Finland and France," says Sibanye.

Seitovirta will initially lead and drive strategic delivery for the group in the European region on a part-time basis to allow him to honour his existing commitments. He will transition to a full-time group executive appointment from July 1.

Seitovirta has extensive international experience through his senior leadership roles in global companies across a range of industries. In addition to his current roles as executive chairperson of Keliber and chairperson of Metroauto and K. Hartwall, he has previously served as executive chairperson of Ferrovan, CEO of Outokumpu and Glaston Corporation and as MD of Hartwall / Scottish & Newcastle.

He also currently serves as a senior adviser and executive coach for the Boston Consulting Group.

"His significant experience in the European automobile industry, including various roles during more than a decade at Volvo, as well as in the European ferroalloys industry, will prove invaluable for the growth of our battery metals business in Europe," states Sibanye.

“We are delighted to be joined by a leader of the calibre of Mika to oversee the realisation of our strategy in Europe. Mika will lead and have oversight of our high-quality teams at our operations in Europe and will significantly enhance our capacity as we embed our presence in the green metal economy in the region,” adds Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman.

Sibanye in September became Keliber's largest shareholder, with a 27% stake.