Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) has today announced CSIRO CEO Megan Clark AC, will be joining its board.
Despite Dr Clark, a qualified geologist and Companion of the Order of Australia appointee, being tipped to leave CSIRO in December, Rio says she will leave the position immediately.
She will join a host of Australians on the miner's board including CEO Sam Walsh, CFO Chris Lynch and Mike Fitzpatrick. Her appointment to the board follows that of French nuclear executive Michael L'estrange AO earlier in the year.
Dr Clark received her BSc (Hons) in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia in 1981 and held various positions in mining and resources companies such as BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP).
Chairman Jan du Plessis said: "We are very pleased that Megan has accepted our invitation to join the Rio Tinto board. Megan not only has extensive mining experience, but is highly regarded and has, throughout her career, forged a strong reputation for driving a culture of innovation and technology, making her a great fit for Rio Tinto. Her appointment further reinforces the significance of Australia to Rio Tinto's global operations."
Foolish takeaway
Dr Clark brings a wealth of experience to Rio Tinto. However as Australia's largest – and the world's lowest cost producer of iron ore, she'll be forced to react quickly to the changing economic landscape. Indeed, the commodity has fallen 50% to just $US70 per tonne so far in 2014 and this has resulted in some smaller miners already going out of business.