BHP (ASX: BHP) has confirmed that its Chair, Ken MacKenzie, will retire from the Board on March 31, 2025, bringing an end to nearly a decade of leadership at the mining giant. The Board has appointed Ross McEwan as his successor, marking a transition that follows a formal Chair succession process.
Ken MacKenzie’s Legacy at BHP
MacKenzie, who joined BHP’s Board in 2016 and became Chair in 2017, has overseen a significant transformation of the company’s portfolio. Under his leadership, BHP sharpened its focus on future-facing commodities, streamlined its operations, and reinforced its commitment to safety, capital discipline, and social value creation.
Reflecting on his tenure, MacKenzie described it as a privilege, emphasizing how BHP has become “simpler, more productive, and more resilient” over the years. He credited the company’s success to the talented and committed team behind it and expressed confidence in McEwan as the right leader for the next phase.
“Ross is an excellent choice as leader of the Board, and I wish him every success in the role,” MacKenzie said.
Ross McEwan Steps Up
Ross McEwan, who has served as an independent Non-Executive Director at BHP since April 2024, will officially take over as Chair when MacKenzie steps down.
McEwan is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of global leadership experience, primarily in the financial sector. Most notably, he was the CEO of National Australia Bank (NAB) from 2019 to 2024 and previously served as Group CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) from 2013 to 2019. His career has also included senior roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, First NZ Capital Securities, and AXA New Zealand.
Known for his strategic acumen and expertise in capital allocation, risk management, and transformation, McEwan has built a reputation as a leader who values people, culture, technology, and innovation. His experience engaging with governments, regulators, and a broad range of stakeholders will be valuable as BHP navigates an evolving global landscape.
Looking Ahead
McEwan acknowledged the strong position BHP has achieved under MacKenzie’s leadership and emphasized his commitment to delivering long-term value for shareholders.
“As incoming Chair, I am committed to generating long-term value for all our shareholders and will work tirelessly with the Board and management to achieve this. I look forward to continuing to take this great company forward,” McEwan said.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for BHP, as the company continues to position itself for the future of mining, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and resource demand shifts. With McEwan at the helm, BHP is expected to maintain its strategic discipline while exploring new growth opportunities in an increasingly complex global market.
