Former Ivanhoe executive David Woodhall has been appointed Fortescue Metals Group’s director of operations.

Mr Woodhall was formerly the president of Ivanhoe Mines gold division.

Most recently he headed Altynalmas Gold Ltd which owns and operates the Kyzyl Project in Kazakhstan.

He has previously worked in senior executive positions in operations, mine development, project evaluation and corporate management for Sino Gold, Placer Dome, Glencore International and WMC Resources.

Fortescue said Mr Woodhall had experience in open pit and underground mines in iron ore, gold and base metal operations.

The appointment will take effect on Monday, January 14.