Rio’s Lilleyman to retire

Rio Tinto executive Greg Lilleyman is leaving the company after 25 years, and will be replaced as group executive technology and innovation by the miner’s current head of exploration.

Stephen McIntosh will retain responsibility for the exploration portfolio after being appointed acting group executive technology and innovation and promoted to the group’s executive committee.

Mr Lilleyman was president Pilbara iron ore operations from 2011 until mid-2013, when he was made head of productivity improvement.

That was followed a few months later by his promotion to group executive technology and innovation.

Rio chief executive Sam Walsh said Mr Lilleyman had played an important role in the development of its Mine of the Future program in the Pilbara and led its productivity drive.

Mr McIntosh has been with Rio for almost 30 years, working on projects in 45 countries.

As head of exploration, he led a 450-strong team of employees operating in 20 countries.