Rio Tinto consolidates businesses, minerals head Sinead Kaufman to go
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The news: Rio Tinto has reorganised the company into a three product group structure and has put its non-core minerals businesses under review on the third day of new CEO Simon Trott's tenure.
Rio Tinto chief executive minerals Sinead Kaufman will leave the diversified miner at the end of October 2025 while chief executive Australia Kellie Parker will leave after her responsibilities for external relationships and stakeholder engagement are transferred to a new head of Australia role.
The context: The three core products groups are Iron Ore, Aluminium & Lithium and Copper. The company previously had four divisions: Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper and Minerals.
Rio Tinto's Borates and Iron & Titanium businesses have been moved to chief commercial officer Bold Baatar's portfolio for strategic review.
Rio Tinto's Pilbara mines managing director Matthew Holcz has been appointed as the new chief executive of iron ore, leading the new unified iron ore product group. He fills the vacancy left by Simon Trott, who began in the top CEO role on 25 August.
The iron ore product group integrates the company's Western Australian iron ore operations, the Iron Ore Company of Canada and the Simandou project in Guinea, once it is completed.
Rio Tinto's lithium business has been added to the Aluminium product group, which is being led by Jérôme Pécresse. The copper product group will continue to be led by Katie Jackson.
What they said: Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott welcomed Holcz to his new role leading the iron ore group, describing him as "the kind of leader we need to drive safety standards, performance, and strong partnerships with communities, in our largest global business".
Trott also thanked Kaufman for "significant contribution over almost 30 years with the company", including her leadership of Rio Tinto's divestment from coal and the establishment of its lithium operations.
"Throughout her tenure, Sinead has been a highly valued colleague and a mentor to many; I’m particularly grateful for her tremendous support in navigating these changes," Trott said.
Meanwhile, Trott said Parker, whose service to the company lasted 24 years, has been a "transformational leader through a challenging period for Rio Tinto in Australia".
The source: Rio Tinto media release
