Rio Tinto has announced a new executive team in a major reorganisation that will see iron ore boss and one-time CEO hopeful Andrew Harding leave the mining giant.
Incoming Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques announced on Tuesday that Chris Salisbury, currently acting copper and coal chief executive, will become the head of iron ore operations as part of a reorganisation effective from July 2.
Mr Harding had been seen as a contender to replace Sam Walsh as CEO, who will retire on July 1 to be replaced by Mr Jacques.
Mr Harding will now leave the company on that date.
The departure is part of a raft of changes the new CEO will bring to the global resources company.
A new company structure will include a growth and innovation group alongside four product groups of Aluminium, a newly combined Copper and Diamonds, Energy and Minerals, and Iron Ore.
Montreal-based Alfredo Barrios remains head of aluminium; Arnaud Soirat will head copper and diamonds from London; London-based Alan Davies will take energy and minerals; and Brisbane-based Stephen McIntosh will head growth and innovation.
Perth-based Joanne Farrell will become managing director for Rio's Australian operations and group executive for health, safety and environment.
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Jacques said the new structure would improve efficiency and performance.
"I am pleased to unveil our new executive team which represents seven nationalities and is as diverse as it is experienced," he said.
Mr Jacques also wished Mr Harding the best for the future, thanking him for his "dedication and commitment to Rio Tinto after almost 25 years with the business".
"During his long career with the company he has led our global iron ore and copper businesses, delivering marked performance improvements," he said.
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