Mining giant Rio Tinto Plc (RIO) said Friday it has begun the search to replenish its board, including looking for an Australian, after the departure of directors including former British Airways Plc Chief Executive Rod Eddington.

The U.K.-headquartered company said non-executive directors Eddington and Yves Fortier will retire from the board after the annual shareholders meeting May 5 and senior independent director Andrew Gould will serve another year before retiring after the 2012 meeting.

"I am most grateful to Yves for his tremendous support during an important transition period for Rio Tinto following the Alcan acquisition," Chairman Jan du Plessis said in a statement. "I would also like to thank Rod for his significant contribution and the Australian perspective that he has brought to the boards since 2005."

Eddington was CEO of British Airways until 2005, prior to which he was managing director of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK). Fortier was ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations from 1988 to 1992.

-By Robb M. Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; +61 3 9292 2094; robb.stewart@dowjones.com
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