| Mon 31 Oct 2005, 17:44 | | Gold Fields Limited - Chris Thompson To Retire As |
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Gold Fields Limited - Chris Thompson To Retire As Chairman of Gold Fields
Gold Fields Limited
(Registration number 1968/004880/06)
("Gold Fields")
Share Code: GFI
ISIN: ZAE000018123
MEDIA RELEASE
Chris Thompson To Retire As Chairman of Gold Fields
Johannesburg, October 31, 2005: At a meeting of the board of Gold Fields
Limited (GFI: JSE, NYSE), held on October 30, 2005, Christopher M T Thompson
formally notified the board of his intention to retire as chairman and a member
of the board with effect from the end of the annual general meeting of the
Company, which will be held in Johannesburg on Thursday, November 17, 2005.
The board unanimously elected Alan J Wright (64), currently the deputy chairman
of Gold Fields, to succeed Thompson as non-executive chairman.
Thompson in early 2005 indicated his intention to step down as chairman of Gold
Fields after the defeat of the Harmony bid. "I leave confident in the knowledge
that Gold Fields has now settled down and is stronger for the experience, and
well focused on the new challenges that lie ahead," said Thompson.
Referring to the appointment of Wright as his successor he said: "Alan is a
veteran of the gold mining industry and well equipped to step into the role of
Chairman, and is committed to the strategy of growing the Company
internationally."
The board thanked Thompson for his leadership over the past seven years and
especially for the role that he played in building Gold Fields into a truly
global company. "During his seven years at the helm he directed Gold Fields from
being a largely South African company, producing just more than 2 million ounces
of gold per year and with a market capitalization of less than R7 billion, to
become a truly global producer of well over 4 million ounces of gold per year
and a market capitalization in excess of R45 billion. He made a lasting
contribution in shaping the fortunes of the modern Gold Fields."
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Notes to Editors
Thompson joined Gold Fields as an independent non-executive director in May
1998. He was appointed as chairman and chief executive officer on October 7,
1998, a position he held until June 30, 2002, when, on his recommendation, Ian
Cockerill was appointed to succeed him as chief executive officer. Thompson
remained as chairman from July 1, 2002.
Allan Wright first joined the board of Gold Fields Limited as deputy chairman at
the inception of the Company late in 1997. Before that he served as chief
executive officer of Gold Fields of South Africa (GFSA), in which capacity he
was instrumental in the creation of Gold Fields Limited through the merger of
the gold interests of GFSA and Gencor.
Date: 31/10/2005 05:44:06 PM Produced by the JSE SENS Department
