Mining firm IGO names new Chief People and Sustainability Officer

Australian exploration and mining company IGO has announced the appointment of Suzy Retallack as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, three months after current CSO Sam Retallack resigned from the post to pursue new challenges outside of the business.

Suzy, who will assume the post from 15 September 2025, was most recently Chief Safety & Sustainability Officer for Newmont Corporation, where she was also responsible for Corporate Affairs for Newmont Australia. 

Commenting on the new appointment, IGO CEO Ivan Vella said: “Suzy’s leadership and experience is very well suited to IGO as we pursue our renewed strategy. Suzy has substantial experience in the mining industry and deep passion for people and sustainability. I am delighted that she has chosen to join IGO at this pivotal time.” 

The ASX-listed firm focuses on battery metals such as nickel, copper, lithium and cobalt, and posted revenue of A$841 million in 2024 – down 18% from the previous year.

New CSO Suzy Retallack: Background and experience

Suzy has global experience in mining, working across a range of functions including Health and Wellbeing, Safety, Environment, Security, Sustainability at Newmont and Rio Tinto, where she spent more than 15 years of her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Western Australia, a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a MBA from Curtin University. 

In April, the company announced that Sam Retallack had resigned from her role as Chief People and Sustainability Officer, and would leave IGO early in Q3 2025. At the time, Vella said in a statement: “Sam was pivotal in working across the business to develop our purpose and values. This pivotal piece of work remains critical in attracting and retaining our people and guiding our strategy and growth.”

Sam Retallack's legacy at IGO

Vella said Sam Retallack had been instrumental in helping IGO make the transition from a gold business to one with a focus on battery materials and the energy transition. “She has been a passionate driver of our organisational culture and leaves a significant and highly regarded legacy in IGO.” 

According to its 2024 sustainability report, IGO is aiming to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2035: its current Scope 1 and 2 footprint stands at 133,741.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.