B2Gold CEO to retire, CFO named successor

The board has appointed current senior VP finance and CFO Mike Cinnamond as president and CEO, effective June 4. He will also join the board, replacing Johnson, who will assume the honorary role of chair emeritus.

Johnson has led B2Gold since its founding in 2007, overseeing its transformation from a junior explorer into an international gold producer with four operating mines and output of about one-million ounces a year, alongside a portfolio of development and exploration projects.

“It has been a great privilege to have led B2Gold since its formation in 2007. Since then, we have grown the business through timely and well-executed acquisitions to make the company what it is today, a leading gold producer with multiple operating mines and development projects located around the world,” Johnson said.

“I am especially proud of the fact that our values and our reputation as an efficient and transparent operator have enabled us to recruit and retain some of the best people in the mining industry. In addition, I am proud of the contributions to the communities in which we operate around the world, which hopefully leave them in a better place than when we arrived. Now is the right time to pass the torch and in making this decision I have every confidence in Mike to lead our next stage of growth. I am proud of my contributions to B2Gold and look forward to watching it create long-term sustainable value for our shareholders in the years ahead.”

Cinnamond joined B2Gold in 2013 and has served as senior VP finance and CFO since April 2014. The board said his experience in strategy, corporate development, capital allocation and financial management would support a smooth transition and the continued execution of the company’s strategic plan.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead B2Gold. The Company has great assets and great people and is well positioned for the future," Cinnamond said.

Board chairperson Kelvin Dushnisky described the move as the outcome of a structured succession process.

"We are confident that as president and CEO, Mike will help B2Gold optimise the company’s operations and projects, maintain disciplined capital allocation, enhance shareholder value and grow the company for the benefit of all our stakeholders. Importantly, on behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank Clive for his many years of exceptional service. From founding B2Gold and leading the organisation as president and CEO, Clive oversaw the remarkable growth of the company over the last two decades. B2Gold has become the company it is today largely owing to Clive’s energy, passion and invaluable contributions. His appointment as chair emeritus reflects how highly Clive is regarded throughout the organization and among our stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, Dushnisky has transitioned from chair to executive chair, effective February 23. Dushnisky previously served as president and CEO of AngloGold Ashanti and earlier held senior leadership roles at Barrick Gold, including president and board member.

Greg Barnes has been appointed lead independent director, effective February 23. Barnes has more than 35 years’ experience in the global mining sector and is currently chair of B2Gold’s compensation committee and a member of its audit committee.

Michael McDonald, currently VP investor relations, corporate development and treasury, will succeed Cinnamond as CFO on June 4, 2026. He brings 20 years’ experience in finance and capital markets roles, including with Goldcorp, SSR Mining and Gold Standard Ventures.