The Financial Post reports in its Thursday edition analysts who follow Barrick figure that by eliminating the chief executive officer position, chairman John Thornton has claimed a more hands-on role at the company for himself. The Post's Peter Koven quotes TD analyst Greg Barnes as saying Mr. Thornton is now the "de facto" CEO. Mr. Thornton denied that, saying his role has not changed. Barrick is portraying the departure of CEO Jamie Sokalsky as a natural evolution. Regardless, says Mr. Koven, it could hurt the company to lose such a key executive. After being CEO, he was not interested in staying on in a less influential role and will depart in mid-September. "Jamie Sokalsky had done a workmanlike job, but the strategic push to make Barrick a world-class leader will require new people and vision," John Ing, president at Maison Placements Canada, said in a note. "That has happened today." Co-president Kelvin Dushnisky is head of corporate and government affairs, while co-president Jim Gowans is chief operating officer. Barrick believes their skills will not overlap. "Everything I see tells me this is going to work extremely well," Mr. Dushnisky said. Barrick shares rose 57 cents Wednesday to $20.28.