(Kitco News) – Rio Tinto announced today that its Chairman Simon Thompson has informed the company’s Board that he will not seek re-election as a non-executive director at the 2022 annual general meetings (AGMs) of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited.
According to the company’s statement, Sam Laidlaw, senior independent director of Rio Tinto plc, and Simon McKeon, senior independent director of Rio Tinto Limited, will now therefore jointly lead the search for Simon’s successor as Chair.
Sam Laidlaw said, “The Board accepts Simon’s decision and is grateful that he has agreed to provide an important period of stability and support for Jakob and the new executive team ahead of the AGMs in 2022. This will allow an orderly process for the appointment of our new Chair and other key Board members. The Board wishes to thank Simon for his commitment and continuing leadership during this challenging period for Rio Tinto.”
In addition, the company announced that Michael L’Estrange, a non-executive director, will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the 2021 AGMs.