Sims Ltd. CEO Alistair Field is preparing to step down after six years at the helm of the metals and e-scrap recycling company. He is to be replaced by Stephen Mikkelsen, the company's CFO. Mr Field, who joined Sims in 2015 as managing director of Australia and New Zealand Metals before becoming CEO two years later, had been instrumental in driving the company's growth strategy and transforming its operations, said the recycler, which has headquarters in the US and Australia. The appointment is effective 1 October 2023.
Prior to joining Sims, Mr Mikkelsen held various executive leadership positions at AGL Energy. Sims chairman Geoff Brunsdon said the board was delighted that the new CEO came from within, adding that, "his experience and knowledge of Sims’ operations provide him with the ability to seamlessly transition to CEO, while driving Sims’ growth strategy.”
The board chairman also said, “During his tenure as CFO, Stephen has acquired a deep understanding of the metals industry and he has been a significant contributor to Sims’ financial and operational performance. He has embedded strong financial discipline and strategic focus across the business, seeking efficiencies and recycling capital to generate value, and drive growth.”
Currently based out of Sydney, Mr Mikkelsen will be co-located in Australia and the USA once he moves into his new role.
As part of the transition, Steve Skurnac, currently serving as group Chief Development Officer, will assume the role of Interim CFO. Mr Skurnac, who has been with Sims since 2007 in various executive roles, will provide stability and leadership during the search for a permanent CFO, said Sims. He plans to retire from the recycling company once a new CFO has been appointed.
