Petra Diamonds, a leading independent diamond mining company, has announced the promotion of Johan Snyman to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Johan officially assumed his new responsibilities in October 2024, after serving nearly a year as Group Financial Controller within the organisation.

Johan brings with him a wealth of financial expertise and leadership experience, having held senior positions across multiple industries during his distinguished 20-year career. As Group Financial Controller at Petra Diamonds, Johan was instrumental in standardising the company’s financial control framework, directing reporting processes, and supporting strategic decision-making alongside the previous CFO. His promotion is a natural progression within the leadership team, as Petra Diamonds continues its focus on operational excellence and growth.

A Wealth of Experience in Financial Management

Prior to joining Petra Diamonds, Johan spent over 17 years at AngloGold Ashanti, one of the world’s largest gold mining companies. During his tenure, he held various senior financial roles, including Vice President of Finance, Group Financial Reporting, and Senior Manager for Special Projects. His work at AngloGold Ashanti involved overseeing financial reporting, managing transitional services during mergers, and ensuring compliance with international financial reporting standards. Notably, in his role as Senior Financial Manager, Johan also served as acting Vice President of Finance for the company’s South African operations. His responsibilities included overseeing regional financial reporting, taxation, and the administration of accounts across several areas of operation.

Johan’s extensive experience in multinational finance, strategic financial planning, and financial reporting made him the ideal candidate for the CFO position at Petra Diamonds. His time at AngloGold Ashanti provided him with a deep understanding of the complexities of finance within the mining sector, where he successfully navigated financial transitions, mergers, and intricate accounting frameworks.

Early Career and Professional Expertise

Johan began his career as a Trainee Auditor with KPMG in 1999, where he gained valuable experience in internal and external audits across industries such as energy, mining, and local government. His auditing experience extended to managing accounts for major companies, including Sasol Mining, where he served as Senior Accountant, and KPMG’s US division, where he worked as Senior Manager, focusing on audits for mining, oil, and government entities.

This early experience in auditing provided Johan with a solid foundation in financial compliance, risk management, and financial controls—skills he further refined during his time at AngloGold Ashanti. These experiences have equipped him with the financial expertise and leadership qualities necessary to successfully navigate the complexities of the global diamond industry.