Rio Tinto has announced the appointment of Simon Trott as its new Chief Executive, effective August 25, 2025. He will succeed Jakob Stausholm, who has led the company for nearly five years.
Trott, currently the Iron Ore Chief Executive, brings 25 years of experience across various commodities and geographies within Rio Tinto. His tenure as Iron Ore Chief Executive saw him strengthen the business, improve operational performance, and secure future growth through new mine developments. He also served as Rio Tinto’s first Chief Commercial Officer, establishing the Group’s Commercial operations and deepening customer relationships.
Dominic Barton, Rio Tinto Chair, highlighted Trott’s “deep understanding of mining and a track record of delivering operational excellence and creating value.” Barton emphasized that the company’s next phase will focus on “unlocking significant value for shareholders from our portfolio, driven by operational performance, and cost and financial discipline.”
A New Chapter, and Perhaps a New Partner?
“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. 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”.
Barton’s statement could be interpreted as reviving market speculation that Rio Tinto is now more open to “big ticket M&A,” particularly a potential merger with Glencore, given Simon Trott’s mandate to unlock significant shareholder value and his track record of strengthening external relationships, which could bridge past cultural and strategic divides.
Jakob Stausholm will step down from his role as Chief Executive and from the Board of Directors when Trott assumes the position. Stausholm expressed his privilege in leading Rio Tinto and his confidence in Trott’s ability to continue the company’s growth trajectory.
ESGFrontiers Editorial| @Lloyd Nedohe on X| Email: info@esgfrontiers.co.za
