Shareholders of KGHM have approved the new supervisory board, which will consist of ten members – one more than before. All candidates received the green light, and the new term begins on Wednesday.
According to the company’s statutes, the board can range from seven to ten members. Previously it had nine. The new ten-person board includes returning members: Zbigniew Ćwiąkalski (chairman), Artur Ulrich, Łukasz Żelewski, and Piotr Prugar. Two new faces proposed by the State Treasury are Ewa Banachowicz and Rafał Szmytke.
The Nationale-Nederlanden Otwarty Fundusz Emerytalny also nominated a candidate, and Joanna Zakrzewska was approved by the general meeting. Additionally, three union representatives elected by KGHM staff from Solidarność will sit on the board: Przemysław Darowski, Marcin Kaczanowski, and Bogusław Szarek. Kaczanowski replaces Józef Czyczerski, a long-serving member who has retired.
New composition, new challenges
– The expanded board will bring fresh perspectives and ensure continuity in overseeing the company’s strategy – said a company spokesperson. – We welcome all members and look forward to constructive cooperation.
The State Treasury’s nominees are seen as a move to strengthen state influence over the strategic copper producer. Analysts note that the larger board may allow for more diverse expertise, particularly in areas like energy transition and global market volatility.
Strategic importance of copper
KGHM is Europe’s largest copper producer, responsible for nearly 50% of the EU’s mine output. Poland holds about 85% of European copper reserves, making the metal a critical raw material for the bloc’s green and digital transformation.
– Copper is indispensable for electrification and renewable energy infrastructure – added the spokesperson. – Ensuring robust corporate governance at KGHM is vital for Europe’s supply security.
The new board will face key decisions on investment in new mining projects, sustainability targets, and shareholder returns.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Materiały prasowe / KGHM Polska Miedź
