B2Gold has appointed Namibian executive John Roos as Managing Director of B2Gold Namibia, marking a significant leadership transition at a time when the company’s Otjikoto Mine is entering a new phase centred on underground mining, satellite deposits, and long-term mine-life extension.
The appointment, effective 1 July 2026, places one of Namibia’s largest gold operations under local leadership and signals B2Gold’s continued commitment to the localisation of senior management positions within its global portfolio.
Roos takes over from Bill Lytle, B2Gold Corp.’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, whose tenure helped oversee Otjikoto’s evolution into one of Namibia’s most important gold producers.
The leadership change comes at a critical point for the operation.
After producing nearly 200,000 ounces of gold in 2025, Otjikoto is transitioning from the main open pit towards a future anchored by the Wolfshag underground mine and a growing pipeline of satellite discoveries, including Antelope, Springbok, Oryx, and Impala.
These deposits are increasingly expected to shape the next chapter of mining at Otjikoto and play a key role in extending the life of an operation that has already contributed billions of dollars to Namibia’s economy since commercial production began in 2015.
Roos is no stranger to the business.
He most recently served as Country Manager of B2Gold Namibia, overseeing finance, corporate affairs, corporate social investment, stakeholder engagement and government relations. In that role, he was closely involved in advancing strategic initiatives and maintaining relationships with government, communities and industry stakeholders.
His promotion places a Namibian executive at the helm of a company that has become one of the country’s largest mining employers, taxpayers and investors.
The move also reflects a broader trend within Namibia’s mining industry, where increasing emphasis is being placed on localisation, skills development and the progression of Namibians into senior executive positions.
B2Gold Namibia chairman Dr Leake Hangala said Roos’ appointment reflects both his leadership capabilities and his understanding of the company’s Namibian operations.
“John’s appointment reflects his strong leadership and deep understanding of our operations in Namibia. We are confident that under his direction, Otjikoto and our other Namibian business activities will continue to operate safely and efficiently, delivering value for all stakeholders,” Hangala said.
For B2Gold, the appointment is about more than succession planning.
It comes as the company prepares for the next stage of investment at Otjikoto, where underground development, satellite deposits and ongoing exploration are expected to underpin future production after the depletion of the main open-pit reserves.
The company has already committed significant capital towards underground development and regional exploration, reflecting confidence that the Otjikoto district still holds substantial growth potential.
B2Gold Namibia is 90% owned by B2Gold Corp., with the remaining 10% held by EVI Mining Company Limited, a Namibian broad-based economic empowerment group.
Since entering production, Otjikoto has established itself as one of Namibia’s flagship gold mines, supporting employment, local procurement, community development initiatives and government revenue generation.
Roos now assumes responsibility for ensuring that legacy continues while guiding the company through one of the most important transitions in its operating history.
