BHP Billiton CEO Retires

 BHP Billiton, an Anglo–Australian multinational mining and petroleum company, yesterday announced that Marius Kloppers will retire as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the company on 10 May, 2013 and that Andrew Mackenzie, will succeed him and join the Board on that date. Marius will retire from the Group on 1 October 2013.

Mackenzie, 56, is BHP Billiton’s Chief Executive Non-Ferrous. He has over thirty years experience in oil and gas, petrochemicals and minerals. He joined BHP Billiton in November 2008. Andrew has a doctorate in Chemistry and a first-class degree in Geology.

In making the announcement BHP Billiton Chairman Jac Nasser acknowledged the outstanding contribution Marius Kloppers has made to the growth of BHP Billiton:

“Marius was appointed Chief Executive just prior to the global financial crisis. Despite an exceptionally difficult economic environment during his tenure, Marius and his team have delivered for shareholders, significantly outperforming our peers in terms of total shareholder returns. He drove new investments into next generation opportunities including US onshore gas and liquids and created one of the most valuable companies in the world. He leaves BHP Billiton a safer and stronger company.”

BHP Billiton yesterday also  reported results for the half year ended 31 December 2012 including Underlying EBIT of US$9.8 billion and  Attributable profit excluding exceptional items of US$5.7 billion and an interim dividend of 57 US cents per share.

[mappress]
February 21, 2013