Leading bauxite exploration company Cape Alumina has today announced the appointment of Graeme Sherlock as its new managing director and CEO.

Sherlock, a qualified mining engineer, brings with him more than 20 years' of resource industry experience having held roles at Peabody Energy, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.

Chairman George Lloyd says Sherlock's arrival comes at a significant time for the Brisbane-based business.

"His strong focus on business development will be an invaluable driving force in the next phase of Cape Alumina's growth strategy as we move toward the development of our flagship Bauxite Hills Project on western Cape York, as well as lead the Company through the identification, evaluation and development of new projects," Lloyd says.

Sherlock will take over from Acting CEO Neville Conway, who has been in the position for the past six months following the departure of former managing director and CEO Dr Paul Messenger earlier this year.