Snr execs named for Rio, BHP iron ore JV

Mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton are believed to have finalised the seven member senior executive team that will run their iron ore joint venture in the Pilbara.

The companies previously announced that Rio Tinto Australia chief executive, Sam Walsh will be the initial chairman of the joint venture while BHP Billiton iron ore president, Ian Ashby will be the initial chief executive.

The senior executive team, reporting to Mr Ashby, will progressively take up their roles in the joint venture as the workload and anti-trust regulations allow.

WA Business News understands that members of the senior executive team from BHP Billiton include Eduard Haegel as chief planning officer (currently BHP Billiton Hunter Valley Energy Coal, chief operating officer), Phil Montgomery as chief growth officer (currently BHP Billiton iron ore, vice president expansion projects), Andrew Carey as chief people officer (currently BHP Billiton metallurgical coal vice president, human resources ) and Ian Fletcher as vice president external affairs (currently BHP Billiton vice president external affairs, Western Australia).

Those from the Rio camp include Jack Sato as chief operating officer - logistics & infrastructure (currently Rio Tinto managing director of Pilbara infrastructure and Robe River Mining managing director), Greg Lilleyman as chief operating officer - mines (currently Rio Tinto managing director of Pilbara mine operations) and Phillip Strachan as chief financial officer (currently Rio Tinto Alcan chief financial officer and leader of integration).

It's understood the senior executive team will support Mr Ashby in the detailed design and establishment of the joint venture and its ongoing operation following all necessary approvals.