Michael Carvill is to step down as managing director of mining company Kenmare Resources later this year.
He is also set to step from the company's board.
"As I turn 65 later this year, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down as Managing Director," Mr Carvill said in a statement from the company. "I am pleased to leave Kenmare in a position of strength, with a tier one asset, and as the largest supplier of ilmenite in the world."
Mr Carvill has been helm of Kenmare since 1987.
Today the company is a major producer of titanium and zircon and has more than 1,700 employees at its Moma Mine in northern Mozambique.
"Without Michael's focus, determination and ability to build enduring relationships, Kenmare would not exist, and Moma might never have been developed, " said Kenmare chair Andrew Webb. "In addition, he has instilled the values of respect, innovation, and continual improvement at every level of the business, positioning Kenmare as both a trusted corporate citizen and a market leader."
The company said that, subject to shareholder approval at its AGM in May, Mr Carvill would remain in his role until Kenmare publishes interim results in August.
Following this there would be an orderly transition to new management.
Kenmare said Mr Carvill would then remain available in a consultancy capacity until at least the end of the year.
The company said it has commenced a process to find Mr Carvill's successor, the results of which would be announced "in due course."
