Rio Tinto has announced a new operating model and updates to its executive team, aiming to simplify the organization and focus on long-term shareholder value. The company will now be structured around three main product groups: Iron Ore; Aluminium & Lithium; and Copper.
Matthew Holcz has been appointed Chief Executive of Iron Ore, bringing together all of Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations under one portfolio. This includes Western Australian Iron Ore, the Iron Ore Company of Canada, and the Simandou project in Guinea once completed. The company aims to leverage safety practices, technology, and operational experience across these assets.
The Aluminium product group will now include Lithium operations under Jérôme Pécresse. The combined group will consist of Atlantic Operations Aluminium, Pacific Operations Aluminium, and Lithium businesses. This change is expected to streamline operations and enable shared productivity initiatives that have improved performance in the aluminium sector.
Copper remains under Katie Jackson’s leadership. The business is focused on ramping up Oyu Tolgoi, stabilizing Kennecott, and advancing projects such as Resolution in the USA and partnerships like Nuevo Cobre in Chile.
Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “A simplified business structure, grounded in our fundamental commitment to safety and with sharper focus on the most compelling opportunities we have, will enable us to deliver new standards of operational excellence and value creation. It will bring greater accountability and focus to our teams, underpinned by a more disciplined approach to operational performance and capital investment.
“We have delivered resilient results this year, remain on track to deliver strong mid-term production growth, and continue to make progress against our objectives. Our focus now is on unlocking further shareholder value, putting both our capital and talent where it will deliver the greatest returns.
“I want to welcome Matt to his new role leading our global Iron Ore business. With over two decades of international mining experience, deep roots in the Pilbara where he currently oversees 18 mines – and as a role model for Rio Tinto’s values – he is the kind of leader we need to drive safety standards, performance, and strong partnerships with communities, in our largest global business.”
Outside these core groups, Borates as well as Iron & Titanium businesses are moving into the Chief Commercial Officer’s portfolio for strategic review. Updates on these reviews are expected at a later date.
Sinead Kaufman will leave Rio Tinto at the end of October 2025 after nearly 30 years with the company. Simon Trott stated: “I would like to thank Sinead for her significant contribution over almost 30 years with the company. Sinead joined Rio in 1997 as a geologist in the UK and has built an exceptional career… I’m particularly grateful for her tremendous support in navigating these changes.”
The Chief Executive Australia role will also conclude; responsibilities for external relationships will move under a new head of Australia position during a transition period led by Kellie Parker who reports directly to Simon Trott until completion of this process.
Simon Trott commented: “Kellie has been a transformational leader through a challenging period for Rio Tinto in Australia… I am deeply grateful for Kellie’s commitment and the change she has driven during her time in this role.”
The updated Executive Committee includes:
– Simon Trott (Chief Executive)
– Bold Baatar (Chief Commercial Officer)
– Georgie Bezette (Chief People Officer)
– Peter Cunningham (Chief Financial Officer)
– Mark Davies (Chief Technical Officer)
– Isabelle Deschamps (Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer)
– Matthew Holcz (Chief Executive Iron Ore)
– Katie Jackson (Chief Executive Copper)
– Jérôme Pécresse (Chief Executive Aluminium & Lithium)
Further details about each executive’s background were provided by Rio Tinto.
More information can be found at https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826070640/en/
