Clive Johnson is stepping down from his role as chief executive and director of Vancouver-based B2Gold Corp. , the company announced on Monday, while also laying out its leadership succession plans. Johnson will retire at B2Gold’s annual general meeting scheduled for June 4. He will be succeeded as CEO by current senior vice-president of finance and chief financial officer, Mike Cinnamond, who will also replace him on the board of directors. Johnson will then be named chair emeritus of B2Gold, which will ensure his continued connection with the company he founded and his availability to the board and senior management. The mining veteran founded B2Gold 19 years ago, serving as president and chief executive since its inception and overseeing its growth from a junior exploration company into an international producer, with four operating mines (in Canada, Mali, Namibia and the Philippines) yielding approximately one million ounces of gold per year. “It has been a great privilege to have led B2Gold since its formation in 2007,” Johnson said in a press release. “Now is the right time to pass the torch and in making this decision I have every confidence in Mike (Cinnamond) to lead our next stage of growth.” Cinnamond, who first join B2Gold in 2013, has been in his current role since April 2014. His new appointments will take effect on June 4. The company said Cinnamond’s experience in strategy, corporate development, capital allocation and financial management of projects and operations around the world “will ensure a smooth transition and make him the ideal leader to guide the implementation of the Company’s strategic plan going forward.” B2Gold also announced changes to its senior management team and board. Current vice-president of investor relations, corporate development and treasury, Michael McDonald, will succeed Cinnamond as chief financial officer. Kelvin Dushnisky, who was the chair of the board, has been appointed as executive chair. Greg Barnes, who is currently the chair of B2Gold’s compensation committee and a member of its audit committee, has been appointed lead independent director. Both appointments were effective Feb. 23. In a note to clients, CIBC Capital Markets analyst Anita Soni raised her target price for B2Gold to $7.50 from $6.50 and maintained a neutral rating following the company’s fourth quarter results and 2026 guidance. Vancouver's B2Gold to buy Sabina with eye on Nunavut depositsRevenge of the junior miners: TSX Venture hot list reveals major rebound • Email: dpaglinawan@postmedia.com