Mining major BHP has announced that Mike Henry will be replacing Andrew Mackenzie as CEO from January 1.

Mackenzie will step down as CEO, a member of the executive leadership team and an executive director of the company on December 31, and will retire from the group at the end of June 2020.

Henry, who is currently the president of operations for the Minerals Australia division, has been a member of the executive leadership team since 2011, and has 30 years’ experience in the global mining and petroleum industry.

The 53-year-old joined BHP in 2003 and has held various positions within the group, including chief marketing officer, president of the coal division, and president of health safety and environment, as well as marketing and technology.

“Henry’s deep operational and commercial experience, developed in a global career spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, is the perfect mix for our next CEO. I am confident his discipline and focus will deliver a culture of high performance and returns for BHP. Mike has been a strong advocate for the industry, driving higher standards of safety and a commitment to our local communities and global stakeholders,” said BHP chairperson Ken MacKenzie.

Australian Resources Minister Matt Canavan last week thanked Mackenzie, adding that he provided dedicated leadership at BHP throughout his tenure.

“He has provided calm leadership through some difficult years for the resources sector, especially during the commodities downturn a few years ago. Thanks to his leadership, BHP has emerged as healthy as ever,” Canavan said.

The Minister said Henry would bring extensive Australian experience to the role, which would serve him well in leading the company.

“Henry has an innate care for the wonderful people that make up the resources industry and he is passionate about improving opportunities for those in the industry.

“[He] played a key role as a member of government’s Resources 2030 Taskforce that helped develop government’s National Resources Statement. That statement outlines government’s commitment to increase investment, develop skills, protect the environment, expand value-adding opportunities and ensure the resources sector provides benefits for indigenous and regional communities.”