Ex-Thiess man new Fortescue COO

Fortescue Metals Group has kicked off 2011 by appointing ex-Thiess executive Neville Power to the post of chief operating officer.

Mr Power was chief executive of Australian operations at Thiess, a major mining and construction contractor and subsidiary of Leighton Holdings.

He has also previously worked with Smorgon Steel and mining company MIM Holdings.

Mr Power resigned from Thiess in December, and will commence at FMG in mid-late February.

FMG chief executive Andrew Forrest said 2011 would be a year of expansion for the company, and Mr Power's appointment was central to that growth.

"Our major project is Australia's single biggest iron ore expansion, increasing Fortescue's production to 155 million tonnes per annum, some 180 per cent in a single step," Mr Forrest said.

"To assist us to achieve this and typical of Fortescue's ability to attract the very best Australan talent, I'm please to announced that Neville Power in joining the company.

"Nev joins a very talented executive team that has built Fortescue into a leading Australian mining house.

"Nev has outstanding business credentials in mining, steel milling and construction, the three sectors on which Fortescue has built its business, and he as demonstrated the personal attributes which reflect Fortescue's can-do culture."

Mr Power said he was looking forward to working at Fortescue, as the company was renowned for its achievements and ability to meet all its committed targets.