Orica announces leadership changes following CFO exit

The news: Chemicals and explosives maker Orica has unveiled a slew of changes to its executive committee after chief financial officer Kim Kerr’s decision to leave the company.

The numbers: Orica said its president for North America, James Crough, will take over as the new CFO starting 3 June. Crough, who joined the company in May 2019, has previously served as CFO and interim president at Incitec Pivot. Kerr will stay in the role until 1 August to support an orderly transition.

The context: John Cooper, its vice president for Australia Pacific coal, will take over as the president for North America, effective 3 June. Orica also announced that chief development and sustainability officer Andrew Stewart has been appointed to the new role of president for specialty mining chemicals, while German Morales role has been expanded to president for Australia Pacific and sustainability.

Earlier this month, Orica reported a lift in first-half profit on the back of strong customer demand across its divisions and increased earnings from higher value, premium technology offerings.