US-born Randolph, who retired from the company’s group management committee on May 10, was one of a handful of executives tipped to be former chief executive officer Marius Kloppers’ successor.

Randolph was on sick leave in April when new CEO Andrew Mackenzie made a number of senior management changes, which essentially negated Randolph’s role.

His return was announced Monday, just a week before his September 2 retirement date.

Randolph’s departure was not the only change announced by the company on Monday, with Mackenzie continuing to shuffle his GMC team.

The people and public affairs manager role has been split between Karen Wood – who currently holds the position – and Mike Fraser, who was the head of human resources.

Wood will remain a member of the GMC as president of public affairs while Fraser has been promoted to the GMC in human resources.