The board of Rio Tinto has appointed Simon Trott, currently Iron Ore chief executive, to succeed Jakob Stausholm as chief executive, effective August 25.
Matt Holcz, currently managing director, Pilbara Mines at Rio Tinto, will be providing interim support in the chief executive Iron Ore role until a permanent appointment is made.
Trott has a track record of exceptional delivery over 25 years in roles across a wide range of commodities and geographies. As Iron Ore chief executive, Simon has strengthened the business and improved operational performance, underpinned by safety and financial discipline; reset partnerships with key stakeholders; and secured the future growth of the business with new mine developments.
“Simon came into our Iron Ore business at a time of significant challenges and has been instrumental in rebuilding culture, strengthening external relationships and setting us on a pathway for growth. Under his leadership, Iron Ore has become a center of innovation for the Group, driving operational excellence, technology and operating model optimization – levers Simon can now bring to Rio Tinto at scale,” said Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton.
“I want to again recognize Jakob’s significant contribution to Rio Tinto at a critical time in its evolution. Under his leadership we have rebuilt relationships with key stakeholders, aligned our portfolio with the commodities where demand growth is strongest, and set a compelling growth trajectory.”
Stausholm will step down as chief executive and from the board of directors upon Trott assuming the role.
Source: Rio Tinto