An Australian, he replaces American Cynthia Carroll, who announced in October that she would be standing down after pressure from shareholders.

BBC: Anglo American in platinum production slump

In particular, a U.S. trader cited comments from outgoing Amplats chief executive Cynthia Carroll describing the industry in South African as in crisis.

FORBES: FOCUS: Platinum Climbs To 17-Month High; Market Remains Focused On Supply Worries

Anglo American Platinum Ltd. (JSE: AMS) The big news of the week broke Friday morning as Anglo American chief executive Cynthia Carroll stepped down.

FORBES: AngloGold Ashanti

Anglo American chief executive Cynthia Carroll stepped down Oct. 26 under pressure from shareholders, but that has done little to alleviate the strike.

FORBES: Recap Of The Major Mines Impacted By The South African Mine Strikes

There are currently only two FTSE 100 companies - Burberry and Imperial Tobacco - with female chief executives, after Cynthia Carroll left mining giant Anglo-American and Dame Marjorie Scardino retired from the top job at media firm Pearson last year.

BBC: Vince Cable: Boardrooms need more women

Cynthia Verhave, a 28-year-old Carroll Gardens mother, said that when she gave birth, formula was not pushed at all.

WSJ: One Sure Formula for Controversy