BHP Billiton has appointed company insider Chris Campbell to head its lucrative iron ore division.
Mr Campbell will take over from Ian Ashy, who will head BHP’s $US116 billion iron ore joint venture with Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.
Mr Campbell has been with the BHP Billiton group for 20 years and has experience in marketing, business development and project management, the company said.
His appointment will become effective as Mr Ashby’s workload in connection to the Rio Tinto joint venture increases, expecting in coming months.
BHP Billiton is the world’s largest resources company, with the iron ore division one of the main profit drivers.
The president of BHP’s iron ore division is in charge of operations in Brazil, West Africa and marketing of the company’s share of the WA joint venture with Rio Tinto.
BHP’s chief of ferrous and coal, Marcus Randolph, said Mr Campbell’s previous roles and deep history in the group would make him invaluable in his new position.
‘‘I am delighted to have Chris on the team and believe that this structure will give additional focus to our non-Western Australia iron ore assets,’’ Mr Randolph said.
BHP Billiton shares were up 50 cents, or 1.3 per cent, at $40.05 in midday trade.
AAP
