Rio Tinto plans to appoint three new independent non-executive directors

Rio Tinto is appointing three new independent non-executive directors to the boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited. Of these, David Constable, the former Sasol Ltd chief executive and former Centrica plc chief executive Sam Laidlaw will be appointed with immediate effect. The third director, Royal Dutch Shell plc chief financial officer Simon Henry will join the board with effect from 1 July 2017.

The new directors broaden the experience of the board, bringing considerable expertise in the resources sector and an international perspective, having enjoyed long careers in executive roles with multinational businesses. All three also have significant experience as non-executive directors with leading listed companies.

David Constable has more than 30 years’ experience in senior roles at large-scale construction and engineering companies. Simon Henry holds an experience of over three decades in the oil and gas industry, brings a wealth of financial and board expertise to Rio Tinto. Sam Laidlaw has had a long career in the energy industry in executive roles across the globe.

Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis said “I am delighted to welcome David, Simon and Sam to the board of Rio Tinto. Each of them has an outstanding pedigree, having operated in upstream, capital intensive and global industries. With diverse expertise across successful international engineering, resources and financial businesses, I have no doubt that their insight and hands-on experience will strengthen the board.”

Non-executive directors Robert Brown and Anne Lauvergeon have indicated their intention to step down from the board at the Rio Tinto Limited annual general meeting on 4 May 2017.

Jan du Plessis added, “I would like to thank Bob and Anne for the considerable contribution they have both made to the board over the years and for their wise counsel. In Bob’s case, I also want to acknowledge the additional demands of travelling from Canada to either London or Australia regularly over the past seven years. On behalf of the board, I wish both Bob and Anne well for the future.”