BHP reshuffles top executives to drive its growth agenda

On December 7, 2023, BHP, one of the world's largest diversified mining companies, announced a significant reorganisation of its top leadership, forming a team equipped with the "optimal blend of skills and expertise" to execute its strategy and advance its growth initiatives.

The new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be Vandita Pant, who currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). She will take over from David Lamont on March 1. Lamont, in turn, will continue to be associated with BHP until February 2025, serving as a senior executive officer in an advisory and projects capacity.

Rug Udd is set to assume the role left vacant by Pant as the new chief commercial officer. Currently serving as BHP President of the Americas, Udd has successfully led the Jansen project to sanction since his appointment in November 2020, expanding BHP's growth prospects.

Taking over from Udd as President of Americas will be Brandon Craig, the current asset president for Western Australia Iron Ore. Johan van Jaarsveld, the current chief development officer, is slated to become the Chief Technical Officer, succeeding Laura Tyler, who will depart from BHP on February 29, 2024.

While CEO Mike Henry expressed gratitude to Lamont and Tyler for their contributions to BHP, the company has yet to announce a successor for Van Jaarsveld in the role of Chief Development Officer.

Starting March 1, 2024, the executive team, led by CEO Henry, will include:

• Chief Operating Officer: Edgar Basto
• Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer: Caroline Cox 
• President Americas: Brandon Craig
• Chief Financial Officer: Vandita Pant
• President Australia: Geraldine Slattery
• Chief Commercial Officer: Rag Udd
• Chief Technical Officer: Johan van Jaarsveld
• Chief People Pfficer: Jad Vodopija