Leadership transition for Anglo American’s Australian steelmaking coal business
04 November, 2026
After five years leading Anglo American’s Australian steelmaking coal business, Chief Executive Officer Dan van der Westhuizen has decided to leave the business to take up a new role.
The leadership transition comes at an important point for the business, with operations performing safely and well, including the Moranbah operations following recent events, and as Anglo American prepares to exit steelmaking coal and the business enters its next chapter under Dhilmar ownership.
Chief Financial Officer Carleigh Andrews has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the business under its future Dhilmar ownership.
Dan will remain in the role to ensure a smooth transition, with Carleigh assuming the role on completion of the sale, or by 31 December 2026, whichever occurs first, providing continuity and stability through the transition.
During Dan’s leadership, the business has navigated a period of significant change while maintaining a strong focus on safety, its people and the communities in which it operates.
This has included working closely with Resources Safety and Health Queensland, central Queensland communities and the Mining and Energy Union to safely restart Moranbah North and secure the restart of Grosvenor through a unique, industry-first collaborative tripartite approach.
Capital reinvestment across the Aquila, Capcoal and Dawson operations has also strengthened the long-term outlook for the business, the permanent jobs it supports and the regional communities connected to its operations.
Dan said he was immensely proud of the resilience and commitment shown by the steelmaking coal workforce.
“I am incredibly proud of our people and what they have achieved, particularly through a period of considerable change and uncertainty. I am equally grateful for the support and partnership of our employees, communities, regulators, unions, customers and joint venture partners,” he said.
“This is the right time for the next chapter.
“Carleigh knows this business exceptionally well, cares deeply about its people and understands our operations and stakeholders. Her appointment provides strong continuity, and I have every confidence in her leadership as the business moves forward under Dhilmar.”
Carleigh said she was honoured to have the opportunity to lead the business into its next phase.
“It is a privilege to be asked to lead a business with such capable people, strong operations and deep connections to the communities in which we operate,” she said.
“Dan has provided outstanding leadership, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already established.
“Our focus through the transition will remain clear: operating safely, supporting our people and communities, and providing stability and continuity for our customers, joint venture partners and other stakeholders. I am excited about what lies ahead for the business under Dhilmar ownership.”
Carleigh will be supported by the business’s existing experienced executive and site leadership teams, who will continue in their roles under Dhilmar, providing continuity for employees, communities, customers and joint venture partners.
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