Cameco Australia managing director Brian Reilly has been endorsed as president of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia.
He takes over from Rio Tinto executive Greg Lilleyman, who has stepped down from the CME role after moving to a new role.
Mr Lilleyman previously headed up Rio's Pilbara iron ore operations but earlier this year was appointed head of productivity improvement.
Born and raised in Canada, Mr Reilly has 25 years' industry experience.
He took his current role in January 2011, heading up the Australian operations of Cameco, which is one of the world's largest uranium producers.
CME acting chief executive Nicole Roocke said Mr Reilly has been an active member of CME's executive council since 2011.
Mr Reilly will be supported in his role by CME's management committee members including:
• Simon Butterworth – Alcoa Australia
• Graham Ehm – AngloGold Ashanti Australia
• Jimmy Wilson – BHP Billiton Iron Ore
• Paul Harvey – BHP Billiton Nickel West
• Nev Power - Fortescue Metals Group
• Steve Keyser – Leighton Contractors/Ross Carroll – Macmahon Contractors
• George Bauk – Northern Minerals
• David Joyce – Rio Tinto
• Tina Thomas – Woodside Energy
Ms Roocke paid tribute to the efforts of Mr Lilleyman, who served as CME president for the past two years.
"After moving to a new role within Rio Tinto, Greg indicated he would have to relinquish the CME presidency," said Ms Roocke.
"Given Greg's passion for workforce safety, I know he would be most pleased that during his term as president, the WA resource sector had its first fatality-free year on record. A feat we are all working hard to repeat in 2013."
"Under Greg's presidency, CME strengthened its position as WA's peak representative body for the resources sector growing to its largest membership in its 112 year history."
