PPC has announced the appointment of Darryll Castle as executive director and CEO, effective 12 January 2015.

PPC's former chief executive Ketso Gordhan resigned in September after his attempt to fire chief financial officer, Tryphosa Ramano, was blocked by fellow directors. He then launched a campaign to have the directors removed and win his job back.

This month, the company bowed to shareholder pressure and agreed to reshuffle its board, but without reinstating Mr Gordhan.

A chartered financial analyst, Mr Castle has been CEO of Trafigura Mining Group and Anvil Mining Ltd, PPC said. He has recently occupied the position of chief operations officer at Metorex Group Ltd. His experience includes projects in Zambia, Angola and Tanzania.

On behalf of the Board, Bheki Sibiya, executive chairman of PPC, said: "Darryll´s extensive experience and knowledge as well as deep relationships on the continent and in other emerging markets will add further impetus to PPC´s growth strategy.