Global commodities trading firm Trafigura has announced the appointment of Jiri Zrust to the newly created role of global head of operational assets, effective 1 October 2024.

Zrust will join Trafigura from CVC Capital Partners in London, where he held the position of partner, head of infrastructure and was a member of the Strategic Opportunities team.

In his new role, Zrust will lead Trafigura's newly formed Operational Assets division, overseeing the governance and management of the group's controlled and minority-owned operational assets across various sectors. These include infrastructure, downstream and midstream oil, mining, metals refining, power generation, logistics and renewables.

Jeremy Weir, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Trafigura, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating: "I'm delighted that Jiri Zrust will join Trafigura to lead our Operational Assets division, creating a fourth pillar for our business alongside our Oil and Petroleum Products, Metals and Minerals, and Gas, Power and Renewables trading divisions."

Weir added: "Trafigura's portfolio of operational assets is highly strategic and integral to our ability to source and supply energy and vital commodities to our customers around the world."

Zrust brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously spent ten years with Macquarie Group's infrastructure funds business as senior managing director and head of energy transition. In this capacity, he led country coverage and origination across infrastructure and physical assets in Europe. Prior to his time at Macquarie, Zrust worked for 17 years in the transport and logistics sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Zrust said: "I'm excited to join Trafigura in a new role that brings together so many aspects of my career from infrastructure and logistics to supply chain management and the energy transition."

The creation of the Operational Assets division underscores Trafigura's commitment to streamlining its diverse portfolio of assets. The new division aims to ensure a consistent approach to challenges and opportunities across the group's operational businesses, with a focus on achieving operational excellence, including health, safety, and environmental performance.

Trafigura, a leading commodities group owned by its employees, operates in 156 countries and employs over 12,000 people, of which more than 1,400 are shareholders. The company's core business involves connecting vital resources to power and build the world, deploying infrastructure, market expertise, and logistics to move commodities efficiently and sustainably.

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