After more than 20 years with Glencore Technology, Tim Shea assumes the CEO position, the company announced the appointment on 18 May 2026. Shea’s career spans engineering, operations, maintenance and executive leadership across the mining and metallurgical industries.
Tim Shea is the new CEO of Glencore Technology.
Supplied by Glencore Technology
He began his engineering career as an officer in the Australian Army before relocating to Mount Isa, where he joined Mount Isa Mines while completing his mechanical engineering studies. Starting as a draughtsman, he quickly progressed into engineering and project roles across the operation before moving into the Hilton Concentrator, where some of the earliest pilot IsaMill units were developed.
This was the beginning of a long association with the technologies that would one day become Glencore Technology. Reflecting on this period, Tim noted: “You will see my name on some of the very first IsaMill drawings from when we first developed that technology.” This comment underscores he’s long-standing contribution and highlights a career that has evolved alongside many of the company’s most significant innovations.
He later broadened his experience through senior maintenance and engineering leadership roles across Tasmania and Victoria before being recruited back to the group at Xstrata Technology by then CEO Joe Pease. His deep technical knowledge of the IsaMill technology, combined with practical maintenance expertise, proved critical during a period of rapid international growth. Following a series of major IsaMill installations, he then led the development and execution of the company’s global aftermarket strategy, supporting customers across Africa, the Americas and other key regions.
Over time, he played a central role in establishing the company’s global manufacturing and support network, expanding lifecycle services across IsaMill, Jameson Cell, Albion Process, IsaSmelt, and IsaKidd technologies. Under his leadership, Aftermarket evolved from a support function into a key growth driver, forming the foundation of what is now known as AssetCare.
As the business expanded, he assumed responsibility for broader delivery functions, including engineering, project delivery, procurement, and aftermarket services. In this capacity, he strengthened Glencore Technology’s position as a trusted, long-term technology partner to customers worldwide.
In 2024, he was appointed to lead the PASAR Smelter and Refinery operations in the Philippines into a care and maintenance programme. This role reinforced his commitment to balancing commercial outcomes with strong environmental stewardship and community responsibility.
Reflecting on this experience, he said: “I am proud of the way in which we approached the programme at PASAR. It was delivered ethically, with a strong focus on supporting the affected workforce and maintaining robust environmental standards.”
“During this period, interest from a buyer ultimately led to the successful sale of the facility to a local company.” Following the successful transition of Pasar, he returned to Brisbane and was appointed CEO of Glencore Technology.
“I am humbled by the appointment and excited by the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Shea. A strong advocate for high-performing teams, he believes sustainable growth is achieved by building a shared sense of purpose and fostering a culture focused on customers, delivery excellence and continuous improvement. This philosophy will guide the company as it enters its next phase of growth.
“Glencore Technology is well positioned for future success. In the near term, our priority is to deliver on recent sales momentum and meet our clients’ expectations. My focus is on ensuring we deliver on this success and are well positioned to sustain growth. The industry is only beginning to recognise the full value of our technologies and solutions.”
“The mining industry continues to face complex challenges. Our role is to deliver solutions that address these challenges while consistently meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations for service and support.”
“I look forward to continuing our work with Glencore operations and expanding the application of our technologies more broadly across the industry – supporting improved performance in a responsible, energy-efficient, and lower-carbon manner,” he said.
Source: Supplied by Glencore Technology