Barrick Gold CEO Sokalsky to step down in Sept.; names Dushnisky, Gowans as co-presidents

Barrick Gold President and CEO Jamie Sokalsky will step down in September after two years as head of the gold mining company. The business will move forward with a pair of executives serving as co-presidents.

Sokalky became president and CEO of Barrick Gold Corp. in June 2012. His departure from the roles is effective on Sept. 15.

The management moves come shortly after Barrick Gold founder Peter Munk retired as chairman. He was succeeded by John Thornton.

The Toronto company said Wednesday that it will have a new management structure, and named Kelvin Dushnisky and Jim Gowans as co-presidents. They will have overall responsibility for the execution of Barrick Gold's strategic priorities and operating plans.

Dushnisky currently serves as senior executive vice president responsible for corporate and government affairs and chairman of African Barrick Gold plc. Gowans is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Chief Financial Officer Ammar Al-Joundi is taking on the additional role of senior executive vice president. He was executive vice president and CFO previously. Barrick Gold appointed Darian Rich to the newly created position of executive vice president of talent management.

The company's stock added 36 cents to $18.69 in morning trading.