Trafigura-owned Nyrstar said on November 3 it had appointed Matt Hadfield as group CEO with immediate effect.

He succeeds Guido Janssen, who has stepped down after leading Nyrstar for the past four years and now becomes CTO — focusing on what Nyrstar said were technology priorities key to the group’s transformation.

Hadfield was previously chief transformation officer for Netherlands-headquartered Nyrstar and head of metals and minerals assets in Trafigura’s operating assets division.

Nyrstar’s said its European leadership team and Wendy McMillan — who was appointed CEO of Nyrstar’s Australian business in July 2026 — will report to Hadfield.

Jiri Zrust, Trafigura’s global head of operating assets, said Hadfield had extensive experience of the metals industry, deep knowledge of Nyrstar’s operations and expertise in leading complex change.

“The metals Nyrstar produces are essential to economic, military and national security, and the transformation of its operations is a strategic priority for Trafigura as its owner. Matt is well placed to drive this transformation, with the aim of recovering additional critical raw materials, driving technological improvements and securing the long-term competitiveness of the business.”

Batteries International reported last October that the future of Nyrstar’s Budel zinc smelter in the Netherlands was uncertain after the group launched a review against a backdrop of soaring energy costs and geopolitical instability.

The review will consider future options for the site which produces zinc and zinc alloys, sulfuric acid and ‘Budel Leach Product’ — containing lead and precious metals used as a raw material by secondary smelters.