Wendy McMillan has been appointed CEO of Trafigura-owned Nyrstar’s Australian business as of July 6.

Nyrstar said McMillan is a highly accomplished executive with deep experience leading complex, asset‑intensive organisations.

She has held senior regional leadership roles at rail tech firm the Wabtec Corporation and rolling stock and rail transport manufacturer Bombardier Transportation.

McMillan is also a former CEO of the rolling stock development division of Australia’s Victorian state government agency Transport for Victoria, where she led large‑scale operational and business transformation programmes.

Nyrstar’s global CEO Guido Janssen said McMillan’s appointment comes at an important time as the company pushes ahead with plans to modernise its multi-metals manufacturing operations in Australia.

“Her experience leading complex, multi-site organisations will be critical as we advance the next phase of our strategy to strengthen the long‑term competitiveness of our Australian business,” Janssen said.  

“Wendy’s appointment is central to this next phase, bringing the board and executive leadership experience needed to partner with government and commercial stakeholders to bring stability and clear direction to define and guide the next phase of our modernisation program from concept through to delivery.”

Nyrstar announced in August 2025 it had secured a cash injection of A$135 million ($88 million) to continue critical metals processing in Australia. This included accelerating development of an antimony and bismuth facility as well as scheduled maintenance at its lead and zinc refining operation in Port Pirie.

The announcement came after Nyrstar called on Australia’s leaders to boost support for lead and zinc refining operations in the country amid worsening conditions in global raw material markets.