Deshnee Naidoo is the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Resources Ltd, a leading global mining and metals company. She was appointed to this role effective January 20, 2025, returning to Vedanta after previously serving as CEO of Vedanta Zinc International.

Naidoo is a South African engineer with a 27-year track record in mining. She started her mining career at Anglo American Platinum in 1998 where she built her career, holding a range of positions. She was appointed CFO of Anglo American Thermal Coal in 2011, where she managed thermal coal and manganese across three geographies – South Africa, South America and Australia. She previously held senior roles at Vedanta from 2014 to 2020, including CEO of Vedanta Zinc International and Africa Base Metals, where she led the $400 million Gamsberg zinc project in South Africa. Between 2021 and 2024, she served as CEO of Vale Base Metals, overseeing a $26 billion carve-out and major global projects.

Naidoo will oversee a proposal to spin out Vedanta’s base metals assets, positioning the company for its next phase of growth in critical minerals. Her diverse experience spans corporate and operational levels, various disciplines, and multiple commodities across different geographies. Recognized among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining, Naidoo is also a champion of gender diversity in the mining sector. Indiaspora is proud to have Deshnee Naidoo on our Business Leaders 2.0 List.