Rio Tinto PLC (RIO.LN), Thursday announced changes in its organizational structure and said it has re-instatement of Diamonds and Minerals product group alongside the Iron Ore, Copper, Aluminium and Energy product groups.

MAIN FACTS:

-These changes will result in an expanded Executive Committee with three new appointments.

-Doug Ritchie, becomes chief executive of Rio Tinto Energy, based in Brisbane.

-Andrew Harding, becomes chief executive of Rio Tinto Copper, based in London.

-Harry Kenyon-Slaney, becomes chief executive of Rio Tinto Diamonds and Minerals, based in London.

-Bret Clayton moves to the new role of group executive, Business Support and Operations, from the Copper and Diamonds product group, where he was chief executive. He will continue to be based in London.

-Preston Chiaro becomes group executive, Technology and Innovation, based in Salt Lake City, having been chief executive of the Energy and Minerals product group. He replaces Grant Thorne who is to become a special adviser to Rio Tinto before retiring after 34 years with the group.

 
-By London Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; Contact Ian Walker; +44 (0)20 7842 9296; ian.walker@dowjones.com