Top Rio exec moves on

The managing director of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mining operations has left the company after 11 years.

Michael Gollschewski was one of a handful of executives reporting to Rio’s chief executive iron ore, Chris Salisbury.

As managing director Pilbara mines since 2013, Mr Gollschewski had a major role in running the business unit that is Rio’s profit powerhouse.

He left the business last month and told Business News it was an amicable separation.

“I want to do something different,” Mr Gollschewski said.

“I’m having a bit of time off and exploring opportunities.”

Mr Gollschewski joined Rio Tinto in 2007 and played a lead role in the rapid expansion of the group’s Pilbara iron ore business over the past decade.

Before joining Rio, Mr Gollschewski spent 15 years with Alcoa in Western Australia and Jamaica.

Rio Tinto declined to provide any information on Mr Gollschewski, or steps being taken to replace him.

Staff were sent an email last month advising of his departure and Mr Gollschewski briefed contractors and suppliers prior to his exit.

Other senior executives in Rio’s iron ore business include chief financial officer Paul Shannon, managing director port, rail and core services Ivan Vella, managing director Pilbara assets and development Kellie Parker, and managing director project services Richard Cohen.