Platinum miner Zimplats has appointed Greg Sebborn as its new chief executive.

Mr Sebborn is currently the company's deputy chief executive and has previously served as finance director.

The news follows the announcement that Mike Houston will step down from the role of CEO just nine months after taking up the post.

Mr Sebborn will take up the role from January 1st with Mr Houston staying with the company as chairman.

Rob Still, the current chairman, has already announced his resignation.

In a statement, Zimplats said he had "steered the company through exciting and often difficult times".

Mr Still has been chairman since March 2001 and will stay on as a non-executive director.