The board of BHP, (LON: BHP) the world’s biggest miner, announced Wednesday that Mike Henry has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BHP, following a thorough succession process.
Henry will assume the role of CEO and executive director effective January 1, 2020, replacing Andrew Mackenzie who will retire as CEO on December 31 2019, BHP said in a media release.
Henry has 30 years’ experience in the global mining and petroleum industry, spanning operational, commercial, safety, technology and marketing roles. He was appointed to his current role of President Operations Minerals Australia in 2016, and has been a member of the executive leadership team since 2011.
Henry was appointed to his current role of president operations minerals Australia in 2016, and has been a member of the executive leadership team since 2011
Henry joined BHP in 2003, initially in business development and then in marketing and trading of a range of mineral and petroleum commodities based in The Hague, where he was also accountable for BHP’s ocean freight operations. He went on to hold various positions in the Company, including President Coal, President HSE, Marketing and Technology, and Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining BHP, Mr Henry worked in the resources industry in Canada, Japan and Australia.
“Mike Henry’s deep operational and commercial experience, developed in a global career spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, is the perfect mix for our next CEO. I am confident his discipline and focus will deliver a culture of high performance and returns for BHP. Mike has been a strong advocate for the industry, driving higher standards of safety and a commitment to our local communities and global stakeholders,” chairman Ken MacKenzie said.
Henry will be paid a base salary of $1.7 million per year.
Andrew Mackenzie will step down as CEO, a member of the executive leadership team and an executive director of the company on 31 December 2019, and will retire from the Group on 30 June 2020.
“We would like to recognise the outstanding contribution of Andrew Mackenzie to BHP as CEO. Under his leadership, BHP has transformed into a simpler and more productive company, financially strong and sharply focused on value for shareholders. We thank him for his vision and hard work, which has changed the way we operate and engage with the world,” MacKenzie added.
“It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of BHP”, outgoing CEO Andrew Mackenzie said. “Fresh leadership will deliver an acceleration in the enormous potential for value and returns that will come from BHP’s next wave of transformation. Choosing the right time to retire has not been an easy decision, however the Company is in a good position. I am confident Mike and BHP will seize the many opportunities that lie ahead.”