BHP makes board appointments

LONDON -- BHP Chairman, Ken MacKenzie, has announced the appointment of Ian Cockerill and Susan Kilsby to the BHP Board as independent non-executive directors, effective 1 April 2019.

Mr. Cockerill has extensive mining experience, including in chief executive, operational, strategic and technical roles. He was formerly the CEO of Anglo Coal and Gold Fields Limited, and a senior executive with AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo American Group. Mr. Cockerill has considerable public company board experience, including as a non-executive director of Orica Limited, Ivanhoe Mines Ltd and Endeavour Mining Corporation, and as chairman of the board of Blackrock World Mining Trust plc.

Ms. Kilsby has extensive experience in finance and strategy, having held several roles in global investment banking. From 1996 to 2014, she held senior executive roles at Credit Suisse, including as a senior advisor, and chairman of EMEA Mergers and Acquisitions. Ms Kilsby brings to the BHP Board her non-executive experience across multiple industries. Until recently, Ms. Kilsby was the chairman of Shire plc. She is currently the senior independent director at BBA Aviation plc, and a non-executive director of Diageo plc and Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc.

Mr. MacKenzie said the appointment of Ms. Kilsby and Mr. Cockerill was the outcome of a structured and rigorous approach to board succession planning, including extensive global searches. “Succession planning for the BHP Board is continuous and takes into account the balance of attributes, skills, experience, diversity and tenure necessary for the Board to govern BHP effectively, manage risks and oversee the execution of BHP’s strategy.  

“Susan will bring to the BHP Board her extensive global executive and non-executive experience across a range of industries, particularly in the areas of long-term strategy, capital allocation and corporate governance. Ian has in-depth experience in the mining industry, including in relation to complex projects and significant capital investments over long cycles. He also brings his experience acquired through his public board roles. We are delighted that Ian and Susan are joining the BHP Board.”  

After these changes are effective, the Board will comprise 11 directors - 10 non-executive directors and one executive director.