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Barrick Gold Appoints New CFO, Helen Cai

Toronto, Canada - January 24th, 2026 - Barrick Gold Corporation, a global leader in gold and copper production, today announced the appointment of Helen Cai as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a move signaling a new chapter in the company's financial leadership. The change is effective February 1st, 2026, and comes as current CFO Jamie Quick transitions into well-deserved retirement after a distinguished 16-year tenure with the firm.

A Veteran Joins the Ranks: Helen Cai's Background and Experience

Helen Cai isn't a newcomer to the resources sector. Her appointment to Barrick is underpinned by a robust and impressive track record, most recently serving as CFO of Newmont Corporation, another significant player in the global gold mining landscape. While specific details regarding her time at Newmont haven't been disclosed, her prior experience at the helm of another major mining operation strongly suggests she possesses a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges inherent in the industry - from navigating volatile commodity prices to managing large-scale international operations and optimizing capital allocation.

This appointment underscores Barrick's commitment to securing top-tier financial expertise to guide its strategic direction. Cai's skillset is expected to be crucial as Barrick continues to execute its stated strategy, focusing on disciplined capital allocation, operational efficiency, and sustainable value creation for its shareholders.

Jamie Quick's Legacy and a Smooth Transition

The departure of Jamie Quick marks the end of a significant era for Barrick. Joining the company in 2010, Quick ascended to the CFO role in 2014 and has been instrumental in shaping the company's financial performance and stability over the past decade. Barrick President and CEO Mark Bristow expressed sincere gratitude for Quick's contributions, acknowledging his "integral part" in the company's success. The outgoing CFO will remain with Barrick during a transition period, a measure intended to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities and minimize any potential disruption to ongoing operations.

This transition period is critically important. It allows Cai to familiarize herself with Barrick's specific financial systems, reporting structures, and key relationships with investors and financial institutions, leveraging Quick's institutional knowledge. A thoughtful and well-managed transition like this minimizes the risks associated with leadership changes, especially within a complex, multinational organization like Barrick.

Barrick's Strategic Outlook and the CFO's Role

Barrick Gold Corporation operates in numerous countries globally, making it a complex multinational. Its production portfolio focuses on gold and copper, two commodities that frequently experience price fluctuations influenced by geopolitical events, economic conditions, and investor sentiment. The newly appointed CFO will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in navigating these inherent market risks and opportunities. She'll be expected to provide strategic financial guidance on capital expenditure decisions, hedging strategies (if implemented), and overall risk management.

Beyond the immediate financial duties, Cai's expertise will be valuable in supporting Barrick's broader strategic objectives. These could include expanding into new regions, developing sustainable mining practices, and adapting to evolving environmental regulations. Her experience, particularly stemming from her time at Newmont, likely exposed her to a range of these challenges, positioning her well to contribute to Barrick's long-term success.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

Investors and industry observers will be closely watching to see how Helen Cai approaches her new role at Barrick. Early signals regarding her priorities and potential shifts in financial strategy are anticipated in the coming months. The transition period will provide valuable insight into her working style and her alignment with Barrick's existing strategic vision. The appointment of Cai represents a significant moment for Barrick Gold, and her leadership promises to shape the company's financial trajectory in the years to come. It also highlights the continued importance of seasoned financial professionals within the mining sector, especially in an environment characterized by volatility and increasing complexity.


Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/business/barrick-mining-names-helen-cai-as-new-chief-financial-officer/article_0c171670-3b5c-53d0-97f2-b2f4f8f3a3ea.html ]