Simon Thompson, chair of mining group Rio Tinto, has announced he will not seek re-election at next year’s AGM.
He joined Rio Tinto’s board in 2014 before taking over as chair three years ago.
The company has been under sustained pressure from investors since its destruction of the Aboriginal Juukan Gorge rock shelters in Western Australia last year.
Chief executive Jean-Sébastian Jacques was forced to step down following the scandal and was replaced by the company’s CFO Jakob Stausholm.
Thompson said in a statement: ““Throughout my seven years on the Rio Tinto board, I have endeavoured to promote a progressive environmental, social and governance agenda. While I am pleased with the progress we have made in many areas, the tragic events at Juukan Gorge are a source of personal sadness and deep regret, as well as being a clear breach of our values as a company.”
The search for a new chair will be led by Sam Laidlaw, senior independent director of Rio Tinto plc, and Simon McKeon, senior independent director of Rio Tinto Ltd.