With gold prices at an all-time high and global uncertainty driving investors toward safe havens, AngloGold Ashanti finds itself in a powerful position, not just because of market conditions, but because of strategic decisions that position the company to outperform its peers. We sat down with Robin Fell, SVP of Digital Technology at AngloGold Ashanti, to talk about how IT is contributing to this success, why modernization beats innovation and how Rimini Street has helped enable service delivery transformation.
Q: Companies like AngloGold Ashanti are navigating both new opportunities and heightened expectations in this current microeconomic environment, and IT leaders play a pivotal role — not just in supporting day-to-day operations, but in shaping how the business responds to market dynamics, manages risk and drives sustainable growth. With gold prices soaring, how does that impact your role in IT?
Robin Fell: The surge in gold prices is undeniably positive for the business, but it doesn’t automatically translate into more spending or expansion on the IT side. In fact, my role becomes even more critical during times like this. While the market is rewarding gold as a safe haven amid global instability, our internal responsibility is to ensure we’re performing strongly as a company.
From an IT perspective, that means focusing on cost control and operational efficiency. I’m not asking for more budget just because the market is favorable. Instead, I’m working to ensure that our costs remain lean and strategic, so that every dollar saved contributes directly to profit. It’s about being disciplined, avoiding unnecessary spending and making sure that any technology we adopt is purposeful and aligned with business outcomes. When the company is doing well, the temptation might be to expand quickly, but my job as a leader is to make sure we’re maximizing value, not just increasing activity. That’s how IT supports the business in a meaningful, sustainable way.
Q: McKinsey says 88% of organizations are using AI in at least one business function in 2025. When we spoke last year, that wasn’t top of mind for you. How are you looking at AI differently now?
Robin: My perspective on AI has evolved quite a bit. I have a background in AI, and I’ve been engaged at both the hands-on and strategic levels. In addition to various teams at AGA, I have been personally logging into tools, experimenting and learning how to better understand AI’s current capabilities and its relevance to our business.
What’s changed is our mindset. We’re no longer viewing AI as a general-purpose tool or a passing trend. We’re treating it as an opportunity that, if applied correctly and safely, can unlock meaningful efficiencies and improve the way our teams work. Within my group, we’ve begun incubating ideas, carefully exploring how AI can be used to solve specific problems rather than adopting it for its own sake. One area we’re particularly excited about is the development of digital twin prototypes. These could allow us to simulate and visualize complex systems to enhance decision-making and operational planning.
We are moving through proofs of concept and are now exploring how to securely process company data with AI in a way that’s both safe and impactful. It’s a journey, but one that holds real promise for how we operate and innovate across the business.
Q: There is a lot of pressure from vendors these days to move to the latest product, especially those available in the cloud. You’ve chosen to stay on SAP ECC 6 rather than move to SAP Cloud ERP. Why?
Robin: I’m always cautious of technology looking for a problem to solve. We’ve invested over $100 million into our SAP platform since 2012. It’s like a 1980s Aston Martin Volante: classic, well-maintained and still running beautifully. Our current system works well, and Rimini Street helps us keep our ECC 6 platform running smoothly. For us, it’s a better business decision to continue leveraging the asset we’ve built and customized to our needs rather than chasing a new platform that may not deliver proportional value.
Q: How does AngloGold Ashanti’s work in communities influence your role and values as a technology leader?
Robin: Mining is essential to humanity, but it undeniably impacts the communities and environments where we operate. That’s why I chose to work for a company that genuinely cares about minimizing negative impacts and maximizing positive ones. Our purpose, “Mining to empower people and advance societies,” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle. For me, it’s about doing the necessary work while caring for the environment, empowering people and communities and ensuring best-practice governance. I deeply align with our core values: safety, sustainability, collaboration, respect, integrity and excellence. These aren’t just words; they shape how we operate, how we lead and how we build trust. I want my work to create value not just for the business, but also for the people and places we touch. That’s what makes AngloGold the right place for me, and why I’m proud to contribute through my role in IT.
At Rimini Street, our mission is to be more than just a vendor; we aim to be a trusted partner in our clients’ success. Robin’s experience at AngloGold Ashanti brings that commitment to life, demonstrating how strategic alignment, pragmatic decision-making and a shared focus on value can drive meaningful outcomes. We’re proud to support organizations like AngloGold as they modernize with purpose, backed by dependable service and trusted collaboration. It’s partnerships like these that define our approach and drive lasting impact.
