(“ERG”), a leading diversified natural resources group headquartered in Luxembourg, appoints Shukhrat Ibragimov as Chief Executive Officer. Mr Ibragimov, the former First Deputy CEO at ERG, succeeds Benedikt Sobotka, who has stepped down after over a decade of dedicated service. Benedikt has facilitated a seamless handover and will remain available to the Group. The transition in leadership marks an exciting new chapter for ERG which is committed to advancing its operations and further enhancing its contribution to responsible resource development. Shukhrat Ibragimov brings broad expertise from extensive top-level roles. These include his tenure as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ERG Kazakhstan management company, Member of the Board of Directors of ERG S.à r.l. and, most recently, as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Under Benedikt's leadership, ERG achieved remarkable growth and success, such as the launch of the Metalkol RTR project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the world’s largest sustainable cobalt producers, and the development of the Pedra de Ferro – FIOL - Porto Sul integrated mining, railway and port project in Brazil. In Kazakhstan, Benedikt oversaw major initiatives, including the commissioning of the ERG Green chromium tailings reprocessing facility and the building of a wind power plant. ERG also founded, in cooperation with the World Economic Forum, the Global Battery Alliance, which now includes more than 180 members, spanning businesses, governments, and NGOs.
Mr Benedikt Sobotka commented: “I am grateful for the opportunity to have led ERG over the past decade, and I would like to thank the Shareholders, the Board of Directors and the whole team for their cooperation and for their trust.
Having worked closely with Shukhrat for many years, I can say that his unique skillset and passion for the Group perfectly equip him to take ERG to the next and very promising stage of its journey. I am helping to ensure a smooth transition, and will support ERG going forward.
Mr Shukhrat Ibragimov commented: “ERG has a strong identity and an incredible team of highly professional, talented individuals. I am honoured to have been appointed as ERG’s CEO and I am inspired by what the future holds for the Group. Alijan Ibragimov, who passed away in 2021, is not only my father but also one of the founding fathers of ERG. He was deeply committed to the Group, and I share that same commitment.”
Looking ahead, we will seek to capitalise on ERG’s key strengths and prioritise sustainable growth aiming to deliver long-term success for all our stakeholders.
