Rio Tinto Group announced that Rio Tinto will increase its focus on operational excellence and project development, strengthening the company’s ESG credentials, and rebuilding trust, particularly in Australia, under a new organisational structure. To achieve these goals, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm has appointed a permanent Chief Executive of Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore business, created a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role, and added a Chief Executive Australia to his leadership team. Simon Trott, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Iron Ore Chief Executive; Copper & Diamonds Chief Executive Arnaud Soirat will become Group COO; and Kellie Parker, now Managing Director Pacific Operations Aluminium, will join the Executive Committee (ExCo) as Chief Executive Australia. Aluminium Chief Executive Alf Barrios will become Chief Commercial Officer, leading the drive to deliver additional value from mine to market. Vera Kirikova, Chief People Officer, has decided to leave the company. James Martin, currently a partner at Egon Zehnder, will join Rio Tinto as Chief People Officer with effect from 6 April 2021. James has a strong track record of supporting businesses in leadership development, cultural change and team effectiveness, having worked with clients across multiple sectors. Peter Toth remains as Group Executive, Strategy and Development, including climate change; Barbara Levi remains as Chief Legal Officer & External Affairs; and Peter Cunningham continues as Interim Chief Financial Officer until the recruitment process for a permanent appointment is finalised.