Ann: CRC-P Project Completion & CSIRO Collaboration Update, page-47

No we do not know the reason peppy that SBM fell. But historically it doesn't seem he left and the price dropped.
Public announcements did show that site issues increased massively and there massive problems with mining equipment once the new guys took over. But as you rightly indicate, it is not definitive, but does seem rather coincidental. I think it demonstrates the loss of intimate site knowledge and strong contract mining knowledge at ground level being very important to the continued smooth growth and success of any company.