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Rio Tinto renews executive leadership
Mining company, Rio Tinto, has confirmed a new organisational structure following its focus on operational excellence, project development and rebuilding trust in Australia.
This approach, Rio Tinto said, will be underpinned by the safe operation of our world-class assets, continued disciplined capital allocation and a strong balance sheet.
To achieve these goals, Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Jakob Stausholm, has appointed a permanent Chief Executive of Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore business, created a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role, and added a Chief Executive Australia to his leadership team. Simon Trott, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Iron Ore Chief Executive; Copper & Diamonds Chief Executive Arnaud Soirat will become Group COO; and Kellie Parker, now Managing Director Pacific Operations Aluminium, will join the Executive Committee (ExCo) as Chief Executive Australia.
“While Rio Tinto continues to deliver strong safety and operational performance, despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, there are improvements we can achieve across the business to make Rio Tinto more resilient, and an even stronger performer and employer,” said Stausholm.
“I want to re-establish Rio Tinto as a trusted partner for host communities, governments and other stakeholders.
“Now the work starts for ExCo, with a full agenda ahead of us and a determination to become a strong team. I am confident that together we can unleash Rio Tinto’s full potential.”
Rio Tinto will retain four product groups – Aluminium, Copper, Iron Ore, and Minerals, which will now also include the Diamonds business. In addition to Simon Trott’s appointment, Ivan Vella, currently Interim Iron Ore Chief Executive, will become Aluminium Chief Executive; Energy & Minerals Chief Executive Bold Baatar will become Copper Chief Executive; and Sinead Kaufman, currently Managing Director Operations Copper & Diamonds, will join ExCo as Minerals Chief Executive.
As COO, Arnaud Soirat will use his extensive operational experience to drive company-wide improvements in the Rio Tinto production system during a fixed 18-month term.
The product groups will continue to be supported by the Safety, Technical and Projects Group, run by Mark Davies, which includes the recently established Communities & Social Performance function.
In her role as Chief Executive Australia, Kellie Parker will focus on rebuilding trust and strengthening external relationships across Australia.
Aluminium Chief Executive Alf Barrios will become Chief Commercial Officer, leading the drive to deliver additional value from mine to market.
Vera Kirikova, Chief People Officer, has decided to leave the company. James Martin, currently a partner at Egon Zehnder, will join Rio Tinto as Chief People Officer with effect from 6 April 2021. James has a strong track record of supporting businesses in leadership development, cultural change and team effectiveness, having worked with clients across multiple sectors.
Peter Toth remains as Group Executive, Strategy and Development, including climate change; Barbara Levi remains as Chief Legal Officer & External Affairs; and Peter Cunningham continues as Interim Chief Financial Officer until the recruitment process for a permanent appointment is finalised.
“I would like to welcome Kellie, Sinead and James to the executive team,” said Stausholm. “They will bring a new perspective along with strong track records. I would also like to thank Vera for her contribution to Rio Tinto over a number of years.”
The new leadership team, effective 1 March 2021 is:
- Jakob Stausholm, Chief Executive
- Bold Baatar, Chief Executive Rio Tinto Copper
- Alf Barrios, Chief Commercial Officer
- Peter Cunningham, Interim Chief Financial Officer
- Mark Davies, Group Executive, Safety, Technical and Projects
- Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive Rio Tinto Minerals
- Barbara Levi, Chief Legal Officer & External Affairs
- James Martin, Chief People Officer (joins 6 April)
- Kellie Parker, Chief Executive Australia
- Arnaud Soirat, Chief Operating Officer
- Peter Toth, Group Executive, Strategy and Development
- Simon Trott, Chief Executive Rio Tinto Iron Ore
- Ivan Vella, Chief Executive Rio Tinto Aluminium
Earlier this month, Rio Tinto released its Q4 2020 production results.
“We have delivered a strong safety and operational performance in the face of the significant global challenges of Covid-19,” said Stausholm.
“Our 2020 performance reflects the resilience of the business, and the commitment and flexibility of our employees, customers, communities and host governments.
“We are working to restore trust with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) people. Some important progress has been made as set out in the joint statement issued in December following a meeting between the PKKP and Rio Tinto boards. We are also developing additional measures to strengthen our partnerships with Traditional Owners, including a commitment to modernise and improve agreements, particularly in the Pilbara.
“More broadly, we are determined to improve Rio Tinto’s approach to stakeholder engagement globally by embedding a more inclusive approach that strengthens our overall thinking, decision-making and performance.
“However, I do not underestimate the time and effort it will take, genuinely working together with our partners, in order for Rio Tinto to drive the changes necessary to help restore trust and rebuild our reputation.
“Safe and well-run operations, together with world-class assets and a strong balance sheet, leave Rio Tinto well placed to generate superior returns for shareholders, invest in sustaining and growing our portfolio, while continuing to pay taxes and royalties in our host communities and make a broader contribution to society, including employment and procurement.”
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