Mining giant Rio Tinto has appointed Ben Wyatt to its board as a non-executive director.
Wyatt is the first Indigenous Australian to join Rio Tinto’s board. He will begin his new role on 1 September.
Wyatt has spent 15 years working for the Western Australian government, where he held the ministerial portfolios of Treasury, Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs. He previously worked as a barrister and solicitor.
Commenting on Wyatt’s appointment, Rio Tinto chair Simon Thompson said: “I am delighted to welcome Ben to the Rio Tinto board. With family links to the Pilbara and an impressive track record in public life, Ben’s knowledge of public policy, finance, international trade and Indigenous affairs will significantly add to the depth of knowledge on the board at a time when we are seeking to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in Australia and around the world.”
Rio Tinto was widely condemned for its destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves in Pilbara, Western Australia, in May 2020. CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques stepped down and the company was subsequently criticised in an Australian parliamentary report.