Rio Tinto announced on Thursday the appointment of Andrew Harding as Iron Ore Chief Executive.
Harding, former Copper Chief Executive, succeeds Sam Walsh who stepped up as Chief Executive of the mining giant last month. He will be based in Perth, Western Australia.
Former Copper President of International Operations, Jean-Sebastien Jacques, will take over from Harding.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
"These two appointments strengthen our senior management team and are in line with our strategy of developing the next generation of talented Rio Tinto leaders," Walsh said in a statement.
"Andrew's experience across a range of Rio Tinto businesses and countries and his three years on the executive committee mean he is ideally placed to run the highest-earning business in the group.
"He has done an excellent job leading the copper product group including taking Oyu Tolgoi from the drawing board to an operational mine on the verge of commercial production."
Harding began his career in Rio in the Iron Ore business in Pilbara in 1992 and has also held a range of positions in technology and innovation, energy and aluminium. He spent three years as chief executive of Rio Tinto's copper product group, based in London, responsible for mines including the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in Mongolia.
Jacques has been with Rio Tinto for just over a year and brings experience in the steel and aluminium industries in Mongolia, Australia and South Africa.
"He will be an excellent addition to our executive team," Walsh added.
RD
-
How British businesses can tackle Trump's tariffsThe majority of British businesses are likely to take a hit from the chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs to reorder global trade. Companies in the firing line face some difficult decisions, says David Prosser
-
Can you use your property to avoid inheritance tax? What you need to considerYour property is likely to be your highest value asset which is why more homeowners may look to the capital locked up in their bricks and mortar to help them avoid inheritance tax (IHT)
