MCA chief to hand over reins

Minerals Council of Australia chair Vanessa Guthrie has announced the resignation of chief executive Brendan Pearson after four years at the helm.

Mr Pearson will leave his post at MCA next month, with David Byers – the former CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association – to assume the top position on an acting basis during the transition to new leadership.

Mr Pearson's departure came after wide differences between the Council and BHP Billiton over climate change policy came to the fore in public debate. 

Ms Guthrie said she was appreciative of Mr Pearson’s tenure at the organisation, having served as CEO for four years, and as deputy CEO prior to that.

“Brendan and his team have advanced the interests of the minerals sector significantly across a broad spectrum of issues,” she said.

“He led the MCA during a period of economic downturn in the sector and was able to maximise the organisation’s impact with forthright and thoughtful advocacy.”

Mr Pearson said it had been a privilege to hold senior leadership positions in the MCA during a period of significant challenges for the industry and the country.