Rio Tinto announces Board changes
03 March 2021 - 9:44AM
Business Wire
Rio Tinto Chairman Simon Thompson has informed the Board that he
will not seek re-election as a non-executive director at the 2022
annual general meetings (AGMs) of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto
Limited. Sam Laidlaw, senior independent director of Rio Tinto plc,
and Simon McKeon, senior independent director of Rio Tinto Limited,
will now therefore jointly lead the search for Simon’s successor as
Chair.
Sam Laidlaw said: “The Board accepts Simon’s decision and is
grateful that he has agreed to provide an important period of
stability and support for Jakob and the new executive team ahead of
the AGMs in 2022. This will allow an orderly process for the
appointment of our new Chair and other key Board members. The Board
wishes to thank Simon for his commitment and continuing leadership
during this challenging period for Rio Tinto.”
Simon Thompson said: “I am proud of Rio Tinto’s achievements in
2020, including our outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
a second successive fatality-free year, significant progress with
our climate change strategy, and strong shareholder returns.
However, these successes were overshadowed by the destruction of
the Juukan Gorge rock shelters at the Brockman 4 operations in
Australia and, as Chairman, I am ultimately accountable for the
failings that led to this tragic event.
“Over the past eight months, we have engaged extensively with
investors, government, civil society, Indigenous leaders and, most
importantly, Traditional Owners to learn the lessons from Juukan
Gorge. We have taken decisive action to address the weaknesses
identified in our risk management and governance, while also
acknowledging the need to improve our work culture and to rebuild
relationships. In January, we appointed a new Chief Executive,
Jakob Stausholm, who has moved swiftly to appoint his new executive
team and has identified his key priorities to rebuild the trust
that we have lost.
“Throughout my seven years on the Rio Tinto Board, I have
endeavoured to promote a progressive environmental, social and
governance agenda. While I am pleased with the progress we have
made in many areas, the tragic events at Juukan Gorge are a source
of personal sadness and deep regret, as well as being a clear
breach of our values as a company.”
In addition, Michael L’Estrange, a non-executive director, will
retire from the Board at the conclusion of the 2021 AGMs.
Simon Thompson said: “Following significant surgery in February,
Michael has decided after careful consideration that he should
reduce his workload and will not therefore be seeking re-election
as a non-executive director at the forthcoming AGMs. The entire
Board wishes Michael a full and speedy recovery and thanks him for
his outstanding contribution. Rio Tinto will greatly miss his
insights and wise counsel.”
Michael L’Estrange said: “It has been an honour to have had the
opportunity to serve on the Rio Tinto Board for what will be six
and a half years. I wish Jakob and the new executive well for the
future as they build on Rio Tinto’s many strengths and continue to
implement the critical changes aimed at ensuring that an occurrence
such as the destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters never
happens again.”
This announcement is made in fulfilment of the Company's
obligation under UK LR 9.6.11
LEI: 213800YOEO5OQ72G2R82
Classification: 3.1 Additional regulated information required to
be disclosed under the laws of a Member State.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210302006173/en/
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