Jean-Sébastien Jacques will take over as the new chief executive of Rio Tinto after current incumbent Sam Walsh retires on July 1, 2016, according to a press communique on March 17.
Jean-Sébastien, who is currently engaged as Copper & Coal chief executive, will join the board and become deputy chief executive with immediate effect.
Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Jean-Sébastien worked for more than 15 years across Europe, Southeast Asia, India and the United States in a wide range of operational and functional positions in the aluminium, bauxite and steel industries.
He served as group strategy director for Tata Steel Group from 2007 to 2011.
Rio Tinto Chairman Jan du Plessis said, “Jean-Sébastien is a very experienced executive with a demonstrated track record and brings a unique blend of strategic and operational expertise. He has run complex operations and projects across five commodities and five continents.”
Jean-Sébastien Jacques said, “Rio Tinto is a world-class company with some of the best tier-one assets and people in the industry. It is an honour and a great privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the company as we continue to develop the business and pursue the delivery of value for shareholders.”
On July 1, 2016, Walsh will also retire as a director after almost seven years on the Rio Tinto board.