The copper miner conducted a global search following the departure of founding CEO Karl Simich on September 30.

Harris is currently chief human resources and commercial officer at South32 and was the company’s inaugural chief financial officer after its demerger from BHP in 2015.

Starting his career as a geologist, Harris went on to lead Macquarie’s metals and mining research team, before joining BHP in 2010 as global head of investor relations.

“The board is delighted to have secured a leading industry executive of Brendan’s calibre and experience in an extremely competitive market for talent,” Sandfire non-executive chair John Richards said.

“Brendan impressed us with his broad range of skills and his vision for Sandfire to be a safe and sustainability-focused, global copper mining company that is well positioned to meet the needs of a rapidly growing market.

“Importantly, Brendan shares the board’s views on Sandfire’s strategy for continued, profitable growth and has well-developed ideas on the implementation of that strategy.”

Harris will start at Sandfire on April 3, 2023.

Chief operating officer Jason Grace will continue as interim CEO until that time and continue to lead the optimisation at MATSA in Spain and the construction of the new Motheo copper mine in Botswana.

Harris said he felt privileged to be joining Sandfire at such an exciting time for the company.

“I look forward to leading the Sandfire team and building on the company’s strong safety track record, outstanding operating credentials and positive relationships with its surrounding communities to ensure that tangible value is created for all stakeholders,” he said.

South32 CEO Graham Kerr said Harris had been a part of the company’s journey since the beginning.

Kerr said Harris was instrumental in establishing South32’s capital management framework and defining its approach to climate change.

“Under his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, our marketing and supply teams were able to keep supply chains open and continue to realise value during a challenging period,” he said.

“In his capacity as chief human resources office, Brendan helped reshape our approach to company culture, to embed inclusion and diversity into everything we do.”

Kerr said Harris was leaving South32 in a strong position and wished him the best.

Vice president supply Rob Jackson will become acting chief human resources and commercial officer.