• Mike Cinnamond to succeed Clive Johnson as C.E.O. on June 4

• Move follows succession plan as Johnson retires after nearly two decades

• Transition comes as Mali’s Fekola mine prepares for regional expansion

In a statement published February 23, Canadian miner B2Gold, operator of the Fekola gold complex in Mali, announced the appointment of Mike Cinnamond as president and chief executive officer, effective June 4. Cinnamond, currently the company’s executive vice president, will succeed Clive Johnson, who has led the group since March 2007 and is set to retire.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a thorough and orderly succession process and will ensure continuity of leadership and the successful evolution of the Company,” said Kelvin Dushnisky, chairman of B2Gold’s board. “We are confident that as President and CEO, Mike will help B2Gold optimize the Company’s operations and projects, maintain disciplined capital allocation, enhance shareholder value and grow the Company for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”

B2Gold said the decision is part of a long-term leadership transition plan. Johnson will take on the role of executive chairman, allowing him to remain available to the board and senior management. Cinnamond, who joined the company in 2013, is expected to maintain strategic continuity at a time when B2Gold is seeking to optimize its operations, particularly in Mali.

Fekola, one of Mali’s largest gold mines, produced 530,769 ounces in 2025. The site is set to be strengthened by the Fekola Regional satellite deposit, which is scheduled to begin production this year, subject to the granting of a mining permit. The new zone is expected to produce an average of 180,000 ounces of gold per year through 2031, with further growth potential already identified.

Cinnamond will oversee these developments as he takes the helm of B2Gold. The company’s asset portfolio also includes the Otjikoto mine in Namibia, Masbate in the Philippines and Goose in Canada.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou