By: Creamer media

The board size, which peaked at 14 directors during the transition period to retain the experience of longer-serving members while newer directors familiarised themselves with the group, will now be streamlined following a series of departures and new appointments.

Simon Henry has stepped down as a director, having served on the board since April 2017. He has completed the handover of his responsibilities to Sharon Thorne, who succeeds him as chair of the audit and risk committee.

As part of the board restructuring process, Martina Merz has also stepped down as a director. Merz said she would dedicate more time to building innovation ecosystems and to her other supervisory and advisory board roles.

Further, Ben Wyatt has been appointed senior independent director (SID) for Rio Tinto Limited, complementing the UK-based SID role held by Sharon Thorne at Rio Tinto plc. Wyatt’s appointment will strengthen board engagement in Australia, the company said.

In another change, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz has joined the sustainability committee, replacing Merz. Lloyd-Hurwitz, who is known for her leadership in cultural transformation, gender equity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, will continue in her existing role as the designated nonexecutive director for workforce engagement.

These changes are effective October 23.