Ken MacKenzie to become BHP Chairman effective 1 September 2017

Big new appointment

The BHP Board has elected Ken MacKenzie to succeed Jac Nasser as Chairman.

MacKenzie will assume the role of Chairman effective 1 September 2017, following Nasser’s retirement as both Chairman and a Non-executive Director.

The appointment follows a formal Chairman succession process led by Senior Independent Director, Shriti Vadera.

Mr MacKenzie joined the BHP Board as a Non-executive Director in September 2016 and is a member of the Board’s Sustainability Committee.

He has extensive international business experience gained during his 23 years at Amcor, a global packaging company with operations in over 40 countries.

MacKenzie served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for 10 of those 23 years.

Senior Independent Director, Shriti Vadera, said “As we announce the election of a new Chairman, the BHP Board would like to recognise the outstanding contribution of our retiring Chairman, Jac Nasser. Jac has been a Director for 11 years, the last seven as Chairman, and has led the Company during a period of extraordinary change in the resources industry. We thank him for his long and distinguished service to BHP.

“With the assistance of Heidrick & Struggles, a leading international recruitment firm, the Board undertook a rigorous search and assessment of potential external and internal candidates against clear skills and performance criteria.

“Ken MacKenzie brings extensive global executive experience and a strategic approach. He has a proven track record of delivering value for shareholders. He has the operational and financial capabilities as well as the rigour necessary to effectively oversee BHP’s capital allocation framework.”