Rio Tinto appoints Trott as chief executive

The board of Rio Tinto has appointed Simon Trott to succeed Jakob Stausholm as chief executive, with effect from Aug. 25, 2025. Trott, currently Iron Ore chief executive, has a track record of exceptional delivery over 25 years in roles across a wide range of commodities and geographies, with a strong focus on values-based performance culture and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders. As Iron Ore chief executive, he has strengthened the business and improved operational performance, underpinned by safety and financial discipline; reset partnerships with key stakeholders; and secured the future growth of the business with new mine developments. Previously, as Rio Tinto’s first chief commercial officer, Trott established the group’s commercial operations, unlocking efficiency and deepening strategic customer relationships. Prior to this, he held managing director roles across multiple Rio Tinto commodities and geographies. “Simon is an outstanding leader with a deep understanding of mining and a track record of delivering operational excellence and creating value across our business. Simon and the board are aligned that Rio Tinto’s next phase is about unlocking significant value for shareholders from our portfolio, driven by operational performance, and cost and financial discipline,” said Rio Tinto chair Dominic Barton. “Simon came into our Iron Ore business at a time of significant challenges and has been instrumental in rebuilding culture, strengthening external relationships and setting us on a pathway for growth. Under his leadership, Iron Ore has become a center of innovation for the group, driving operational excellence, technology and operating model optimization — levers Simon can now bring to Rio Tinto at scale.” Barton added, “I want to again recognize Jakob’s significant contribution to Rio Tinto at a critical time in its evolution. Under his leadership we have rebuilt relationships with key stakeholders, aligned our portfolio with the commodities where demand growth is strongest, and set a compelling growth trajectory.” The search process for the new chief executive was led by the Nominations Committee, chaired by Dominic Barton, and the appointment decision was made by the full Rio Tinto board. The process built upon routine succession planning work the board has undertaken over a two-year period and included potential internal and external candidates. Stausholm will step down as chief executive and from the board of directors upon Trott assuming the role. Matt Holcz, currently managing director, Pilbara Mines at Rio Tinto, will be providing interim support in the Iron Ore chief executive role until a permanent appointment is made.

Rio Tinto appoints Trott as chief executive

Authored by: Staff

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