There have been some leadership changes for major miners.
BHP, Fortescue, and Evolution Mining have all announced changes to their leadership teams.
BHP
Ken MacKenzie, BHP’s current chair, will retire from the board on March 31 after over eight years with the company.
MacKenzie joined the board in September 2016 and became chair in September 2017. He led BHP’s strategic shift toward future-focused commodities like copper.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the chair of BHP for the last eight years and as a director for nine years and I am proud of what the board and management has achieved during that time,” MacKenzie said.
“BHP is a simpler, more productive and more resilient company and this has been a result of a talented and committed team focused on creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our supply chain, partners and our communities.”
Ross McEwan, an independent non-executive director since April 2024, will succeed MacKenzie.
McEwan has over 30 years of global executive experience, specialising in capital allocation, risk management, and value creation in regulated environments.
Before joining BHP, he served as CEO of National Australia Bank for five years.
“It is an honour and privilege to succeed Ken MacKenzie as chair of BHP,” McEwan said.
“Under his leadership, the company is simpler, more agile and well positioned for the future. Ken will be remembered for his strategic decision-making, active institutional and retail shareholder engagement and outstanding capacity to see value, whether that’s in strategy, portfolio, operational excellence or capital allocation.
“As incoming chair, I am committed to generating long-term value for all our shareholders and will work tirelessly with the board and management to achieve this. I look forward to continuing to take this great company forward.”
McEwan will officially become BHP chair on March 31. MacKenzie expressed confidence in McEwan’s leadership.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board members as well as the broader BHP team for their dedication to the ongoing success of BHP,” MacKenzie said.
“Ross is an excellent choice as leader of the board, and I wish him every success in the role.”
Fortescue
Former HSBC Holdings CEO Noel Quinn has joined Fortescue as a non-executive director.
As HSBC CEO, Quinn led initiatives that combined public and private sector financing for large infrastructure projects.
Now, he brings 37 years of banking experience to Fortescue as it aims to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions at its Pilbara iron ore operations by 2030. The company calls this initiative ‘real zero.’
“I am honoured to be joining the Fortescue board at a time when the company is pursuing its ambitious ‘real-zero’ journey, leading the way for industry to decarbonise and transition to a fossil fuel-free future,” Quinn said.
“I look forward to bringing my experience in global banking to assist the company in achieving its long-term growth objectives and continuing to deliver on shareholder value.”
Fortescue executive chairman Andrew Forrest welcomed Quinn.
“Noel is a highly respected leader who brings a wealth of international expertise and experience in finance and capital markets,” Forrest said.
“His deep understanding of the complexities of the global financial landscape will be invaluable as Fortescue continues to diversify into new markets and grow as a green technology, energy and metals group.”
Evolution Mining
Evolution Mining executive chair Jake Klein will transition to non-executive chair on July 1.
Klein has led Evolution since October 2011, when Conquest Mining and Catalpa Resources merged to form the company.
In his new role, he will continue leading the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project, expected to provide 20 gigawatt hours of renewable energy storage to aid Queensland’s energy transition.
“Having had the privilege of being both the founder and an executive of Evolution since our journey began almost 15 years ago, I have decided that the time is right, for the business and for me, for this change,” Klein said.
“Lawrie (Conway) and I worked seamlessly together as he transitioned into leading the company in the role of managing director and CEO, with Evolution’s record financial results released today a testament to him and his leadership team.
“I look forward to being a part of Evolution’s future and thank my fellow board members and our shareholders for their ongoing support.”
Lead independent director Peter Smith praised Klein’s contributions.
“We look forward to Jake’s continued involvement and leadership as non-executive chair and acknowledge his significant contribution to our company,” Smith said.