Mr Tom Palmer

Mr Tom Palmer is a globally respected mining executive, who retired at the end of 2025 as the 10th Chief Executive Officer in the 104-year history of Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold mining company. He is currently Director of the Mannix College Foundation Board and of AFIC (Australian Foundation Investment Company).

With more than 30 years of international experience in the mining industry, Mr Palmer is recognised for his transformative leadership, commitment to sustainable mining, and role in shaping the future of the sector through operational excellence and strategic mergers and acquisitions.

Mr Palmer joined Newmont in 2014 as Managing Director Indonesia. Following the integration of Newmont’s Indonesian, Australian, and New Zealand business units in 2015, he was appointed Managing Director Asia Pacific. In 2016, Mr Palmer relocated to Denver as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Newmont’s twelve global operations.

In 2019, he was named Chief Executive Officer and joined Newmont’s Board of Directors. As CEO, Mr Palmer led two of the mining industry’s most significant acquisitions: Goldcorp (2019) and Newcrest (2023). He also played a key role in establishing the Nevada Gold Mines Joint Venture with Barrick Mining Corporation in 2019, and he served on the venture’s board until his retirement.
Known for his values-based leadership and inclusive style, Mr Palmer has been an advocate for workforce diversity, indigenous partnerships, and leadership development within the industry.

Mr Palmer served as Chair of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), where he championed responsible mining practices and transparent reporting. He also served as Vice Chair of the World Gold Council, and as Chair of the Mining and Metals Industry Community at the World Economic Forum.

Before joining Newmont, Mr Palmer spent 20 years at Rio Tinto, holding various leadership roles across operations in Australia and South Africa. His final position at Rio Tinto was Chief Operating Officer of the Iron Ore mines in Western Australia.

Mr Palmer holds a Master of Engineering Science and a Bachelor of Engineering from Monash University. After 10 years living in the USA, Mr Palmer and his wife Clare, moved back to Australia in 2026, where they have four adult children.