Rio Tinto announced that Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm will step down from his role later this year, concluding a tenure marked by strategic transformation and renewed growth for the global mining giant.
The company said Stausholm will remain Chief Executive and a member of the Board of Directors while a rigorous search for his successor is conducted, led by the Nominations Committee.
Stausholm joined Rio Tinto in 2018 as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer before being appointed Chief Executive in January 2021.
During his leadership, Stausholm guided the company through a pivotal period, resetting its strategy to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the global energy transition and laying the groundwork for a decade of profitable growth.
Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton praised Stausholm’s impact, stating: “Under Jakob’s leadership, Rio Tinto has restored trust with key stakeholders, aligned our portfolio with the commodities where demand growth is strongest, built a diverse and talented management team, and set a compelling growth trajectory.
“Our focus on these things is undiminished and our strategic priorities are unchanged.”
Stausholm’s tenure has been characterised by a renewed focus on operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and portfolio alignment.
He played a central role in steering the company toward commodities critical to the energy transition, such as copper and lithium, while maintaining Rio Tinto’s commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Stausholm said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Rio Tinto, one of the great mining and materials companies in the world.
“I would like to thank the deeply dedicated and talented people across the organisation that together have raised both operational performance and project execution.”
The announcement comes as Rio Tinto positions itself for its next phase of growth, with Barton emphasising the importance of operational performance and asset optimisation.
The company assured stakeholders that its strategic priorities remain unchanged as it embarks on the leadership transition.
Stausholm’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Rio Tinto, as the company continues to navigate the evolving demands of the global mining industry.
The search for a new Chief Executive is already underway, with the company committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum toward its long-term goals.
