The new head of Rio Tinto’s global iron ore business has restructured his Perth based management team, with the former head of the Pilbara operations leaving his role.
Andrew Harding took charge of Rio’s powerhouse iron ore business this year after Sam Walsh was promoted to the group’s chief executive role in London.
The most significant change will see Pilbara operations president Greg Lilleyman’s responsibilities divided amongst other members of the executive committee.
Newcomers Michael Gollschewski and Clayton Walker will take major roles along with David Joyce and Paul Shannon expanding their portfolios.
Mr Gollschewski and Mr Walker previously operated in chief operating officer roles within Rio Tinto Iron Ore before their appointment to the executive committee.
Mr Gollschewski is now managing director of Pilbara mines with accountability for operational mine sites across the Pilbara, fleet strategy and delivery, mine of the future and technical services.
Mr Walker is now managing director of the Pilbara supply chain, with accountability for port, rail, AutoHaul (driverless trains), utilities, operations centre, accommodation and town management, integrated planning and business improvement.
Mr Joyce and Mr Shannon have seen their portfolios expand in the restructure, with Mr Joyce now managing director projects and development, with accountabilities across Pilbara projects, studies & approvals, the Simandou project in Guinea, and asset management.
Mr Shannon remains chief financial officer, but will take additional responsibilities for business development and Pilbara strategy.
Mr Lilleyman is expected to take a new role within Rio Tinto after he returns from a seven week study program at Wharton Business School in the United States.
Other executive committee positions and roles within Rio Tinto Iron ore remained unchanged with Warwick Smith as managing director of sales and marketing.
Nigel Jones remains managing director of Rio Tinto marine and Zoe Yujnovich is still president and executive officer of Iron Ore Canada.
Kevin Lewis remains acting vice president of organisation resources while a process to permanently fill the role is undertaken.
