Simon Trott will become Rio Tinto's Chief Executive on 25 August 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience and a track record of operational success

Rio Tinto has announced that Simon Trott, currently Chief Executive of its Iron Ore division, will become the company's next Chief Executive from 25 August 2025. 

This transition follows Jakob Stausholm’s decision to step down after nearly five years in the role, a period marked by significant cultural and strategic transformation within the mining major.

A proven leader 

Simon Trott brings more than 25 years of industry experience across multiple commodities and global regions to his new role. 

As Iron Ore Chief Executive, he has been credited with reshaping the division by improving operational performance, reinforcing safety and financial discipline and renewing critical stakeholder partnerships. 

“I’m incredibly proud to be named as the next Chief Executive of Rio Tinto, from 25 August 2025,” Simon Trott, Chief Executive in Iron Ore at Rio Tinto, wrote on LinkedIn.

“It's a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this great company and I am excited about our future.

“With our outstanding assets and people around the world, we have so much value to unlock for both our shareholders and the communities who host us - as we find better ways to provide the materials the world needs.” 

Dominic Barton, Rio Tinto's Chair, says: “Simon is an outstanding leader with a deep understanding of mining and a track record of delivering operational excellence and creating value across our business.

“Simon and the Board are aligned that Rio Tinto’s next phase is about unlocking significant value for shareholders from our portfolio, driven by operational performance and cost and financial discipline.”

Simon previously served as Rio Tinto’s first Chief Commercial Officer, where he established the Group’s commercial operations. 

This role saw him streamline operations and strengthen strategic relationships with customers globally. 

He also held multiple Managing Director roles within Rio Tinto, giving him broad exposure to different commodities and regions.

Jakob Stausholm’s tenure as Chief Executive is widely seen as pivotal in rebuilding trust after a series of challenges, including cultural reform and reshaping Rio Tinto’s growth strategy.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Rio Tinto for nearly five years, during an important chapter in its history,” says Jakob. 

“Working together, our brilliant people across the Group have built genuine momentum, setting out a pathway to a decade of profitable growth. 

“As the Chief Executive of our largest business during this time Simon has been an integral part of the journey; I am certain that under his leadership the Group will continue to thrive and deliver value for its stakeholders.”

Dominic says: “Simon came into our Iron Ore business at a time of significant challenges and has been instrumental in rebuilding culture, strengthening external relationships and setting us on a pathway for growth.

“Under his leadership, Iron Ore has become a centre of innovation for the Group, driving operational excellence, technology and operating model optimisation – levers Simon can now bring to Rio Tinto at scale.”

Simon Trott expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the top job and the opportunities that lie ahead for Rio Tinto.

“The progress we have made over recent years gives us a foundation to build on with discipline and focus to deliver improved performance,” says Simon. 

“With our outstanding assets and people around the world, we are well positioned to grow value for shareholders and the communities who host us.”

“I want to personally thank Jakob for his leadership and guidance; I have greatly enjoyed working with him. 

“As we move forward at pace, I will be listening closely to our shareholders, customers, employees, communities and other stakeholders to shape our next chapter together.”

While the formal transition is set for late August, the Board has already appointed Matt Holcz, currently Managing Director of Pilbara Mines, as the interim Iron Ore Chief Executive.

The search process for a permanent replacement is under way.

The succession planning process was conducted by Rio Tinto’s Nominations Committee, chaired by Dominic Barton, and involved internal and external candidates. 

The appointment builds on a two-year succession planning strategy aimed at ensuring continuity and strong leadership for the next phase of growth.

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TagsRio TintoMiningCEOIron OreTechnologySustainability