Freeport-McMoRan, a formidable force in the mining industry, has announced the appointment of Kathleen Quirk as its new CEO. This marks a significant shift for the company, which has been under the leadership of Richard Adkerson since 2003, a man whose legacy is deeply embedded in Freeport-McMoRan’s history, including his induction into the National Mining Hall of Fame last year. With this new appointment, Quirk assumes the mantle in the midst of vast changes sweeping across the industry and the wider market landscape.
Quirk, a seasoned veteran who has been with Freeport since 1989, has played pivotal roles across the organization, demonstrating her prowess in areas such as tax, investor relations, corporate development, and treasury, before ascending to the position of chief financial officer in 2003. In 2021, she took the helm as the president of FCX and joined the Board of Directors in 2023. Graduating from Louisiana State University, Quirk brings to the table a wealth of experience and knowledge essential for navigating the complexities of Freeport-McMoRan’s operations.
Kathleen Quirk’s appointment has been met with resounding approval from the Freeport Board, with Dusty McCoy, the lead independent director, praising her exceptional track record, unequivocal leadership, and unwavering commitment to value creation for all stakeholders. McCoy emphasized Quirk’s profound understanding of Freeport’s business, operations, people, culture, and her undeniable qualifications that position her as a worthy leader to spearhead the company as CEO.
Conversely, Richard Adkerson reflected on his decades-long tenure with gratitude, stating, “Serving as CEO of Freeport for over 20 years has been an honor. I value my strong bond with our stakeholders – our employees, investors, industry executives, community partners and government officials – all of whom are critical to the success of our company and our industry.” His legacy and vision have undeniably left an indelible mark on Freeport-McMoRan, shaping the company positively for the future.
