Rio Tinto says that Jan du Plessis will be appointed as Chairman of the Boards with effect from the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of Rio Tinto Limited on 20 April 2009. He joined the Boards as a non executive director on 1 September 2008.

Rio Tinto's current Chairman, Paul Skinner, will retire from the Boards as Chairman and a non-executive Director at the conclusion of the AGM on 20 April 2009.

Mr du Plessis said "I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Rio Tinto Boards at a time of significant change and to be working with such a strong management team led by Chief executive, Tom Albanese. Our immediate focus must be on giving Rio Tinto the best possible platform to create shareholder value and to weather the tough and uncertain global economic conditions. Pursuing the completion of the transaction with Chinalco will give Rio Tinto this platform, from which we will be even better placed to prosper when we see economic recovery."

Mr Andrew Gould, Senior Independent Director, Rio Tinto, said, "On re-starting the search for a successor to Paul Skinner, the Nominations Committee focused on identifying a candidate with outstanding abilities and experience to lead the Rio Tinto Boards. Jan du Plessis brings a wealth of international business experience to the role and has clearly demonstrated his capabilities since he joined the Boards in September. I am delighted that he will be taking up the role of Chairman. I would like to thank Paul Skinner for agreeing to stay on until a successor was found and for his contribution to the company during his tenure."

Tags: Rio Tinto