RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, has appointed Robert Wilt as its new chief executive officer, it announced in a bourse filing. 

The appointment ends the tenure of Abdulaziz Al-Harbi who was in the role since April, but now will become deputy CEO. 

Immediately prior to Ma’aden, Wilt was the CEO of Sofina Foods Canadian, a leading meat manufacturer. 

Wilt, who is also joining the Saudi firm as an executive board member, has 30 years of experience spending a significant time at Alcoa, the US-based aluminum producer, where he held various executive positions.

The American executive is an Engineering Management graduate at the US Military Academy, and he also holds a master’s degree from Harvard University. 

Before Al-Harbi was CEO, Mosaed Ohali held the position in 2020. He took over from ex-HSBC banker Darren Davies who was first named chief in mid-2018.