Global mining group taps Australian as new CEO
Simon Trott, who grew up on a farm in Western Australia's wheatbelt, succeeds Jakob Stausholm as chief executive, who held the role for more than four years.
Over his more than 20 years with Rio Tinto, Mr Trott has held multiple roles including serving as the group's inaugural chief commercial officer.
He will receive a base salary of £1.3 million ($A2.7 million) when he takes the top job from August 25.
"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead Rio Tinto, and I am excited about our future," he said.
"The progress we have made over recent years gives us a foundation to build on with discipline and focus to deliver improved performance."
Mr Trott was named Rio Tinto's chief executive for iron ore in March 2021 as the company dealt with fallout from its destruction of 46,000-year-old rock shelters at Juukan Gorge, a controversy that led to the resignation of then-CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques.
Chair Dominic Barton said Mr Trott has been instrumental in rebuilding Rio Tinto's culture at a time of significant challenges.
"Under his leadership, iron ore has become a centre of innovation for the group, driving operational excellence, technology and operating model optimisation," Mr Barton said.
Mr Stausholm will also step down from Rio Tinto's board of directors.
The decision came after a two-year deliberation by the mining group's board and nominations committee, which considered internal and external candidates.
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