Nyrstar appoints Wendy McMillan as CEO of Australian business

Nyrstar has appointed Wendy McMillan as Chief Executive Officer of Nyrstar Australia, marking a key leadership change as the company accelerates its metals modernisation program.

McMillan will officially take up the role on 6 July 2026, bringing extensive experience in leading complex, asset-intensive organisations across the transport and industrial sectors.

She joins Nyrstar after holding senior regional leadership roles at Wabtec Corporation and Bombardier Transportation. 

Most recently, she served as Chief Executive of the Rolling Stock Development Division at Transport for Victoria, where she led operational and business transformation programmes across multiple sites. She has also held several board and industry leadership positions.

Modernisation focus

Nyrstar said the appointment comes at an important stage for its Australian operations as it advances plans to modernise its multi-metals manufacturing business and strengthen its long-term competitiveness.

Nyrstar Global Chief Executive Officer Guido Janssen said McMillan's experience would be instrumental in delivering the next phase of the company's strategy.

“Wendy is a proven leader with a strong track record of delivering operational and commercial business transformation at scale,” Janssen said.

“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 added that McMillan's executive and board-level experience would also strengthen the company's engagement with government and commercial stakeholders as it progresses its modernisation agenda.

“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,” he said.

“I look forward to Wendy joining the company to help secure the nation’s sovereign metals processing capability.”

Growth ambitions

McMillan said she is eager to lead the Australian business as it works to expand its capabilities and deliver its long-term transformation plans.

“Nyrstar Australia plays an important role in supplying the critical materials that underpin a wide range of industries,” she said.

“I look forward to working with State and Federal Governments in Australia to build on these strong foundations, accelerate delivery of the modernisation program and realise the next phase of performance and growth for Australian metals processing.”

Nyrstar said the leadership appointment forms part of its broader efforts to modernise its Australian operations and enhance the country's sovereign metals processing capability while supporting future industrial growth.