PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Mining giant BHP Billiton on Monday announced a major management reshuffle as it advanced with the demerger of its noncore assets.
BHP earlier this year announced the demerger of the aluminium, nickel, manganese and silver assets. Its focus will remain on its iron-ore, coal, petroleum, copper and potash assets.
“The demerger is an important step for BHP Billiton, it will allow us to improve the productivity of our largest businesses more quickly and create a new company of global significance that is well positioned to maximise the value of its high-quality assets,” BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie told investors on Monday.
Mackenzie said that BHP was making good progress with the demerger, which remained on track to be completed in the first half of 2015.
“We are building a new company from the ground up and the process of establishing our regional operating model and leadership team is progressing to plan. With our 12 selected assets already well positioned in their respective industries, and the opportunity to further reduce overheads and increase productivity, we are well placed to benefit from the strong demand forecast for our products," said CEO elect of the new company, Graham Kerr.
In addition to Kerr, Ricus Grimbeek has been appointed as president and COO elect of the Australian division of the newly formed company, and would be based in Perth, while Mike Fraser had been appointed as president and COO elect of the African division, and would be based in Johannesburg.
Fraser is currently president of human resources, and would be replaced by Athalie Williams, on January 1.
Meanwhile, BHP’s current president of aluminium, manganese and nickel, Daniel Malchuck, would be appointed as president of the copper unit, effective from March 1.
Malchuck would replace Peter Beavan, who has been appointed CFO, after Kerr’s appointment as CEO elect of the new company.
Furthermore, acting president for copper, Edgas Basto, would move to a new senior leadership role.
Meanwhile, current president of health, safety, environment (HSE), marketing and technology, Mike Henry would be appointed as president of the coal division, on January 1, replacing Dean Dalla Valle who will become president of HSE, marketing and technology.
In addition, Jane McAloon, president of governance and group company secretary had advised her intention to leave BHP in July next year. She will be replaced as company secretary by Margaret Taylor.