OREANDA-NEWS. Rio Tinto has appointed two executives to its management team to step up performance in its people and partnering capabilities, which are core enablers of the company’s strategy and long-term focus under chief executive J-S Jacques.

Vera Kirikova will assume the role of Human Resources Group executive and Simone Niven the role of Corporate Relations Group executive on 1 January 2017.

As a consequence of the restructure, Organisational Resources Group executive Hugo Bague will leave the company on 31 March 2017 after supporting a transition.

During more than nine years on the Rio Tinto Executive Committee, Hugo Bague has led the Group’s efficiency drive across many functional areas, significantly reducing costs and improving effectiveness.

Vera Kirikova and Simone Niven bring decades of experience across multiple geographies in their respective fields and both will continue to be based in London.

Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said “It is clear as an industry we need to lift our game in how we attract and retain top talent and as the world becomes more complex we need to partner better with our customers, governments and society.

“These areas are a core part of our strategy and critical to building a successful Rio Tinto as we look ten years ahead. Vera and Simone will bring a fresh perspective to our thinking in these areas at the top table and I welcome them both to the team.

“I would also like to recognise and thank Hugo for his commitment and contribution to Rio Tinto for the best part of the past decade. His successes are many, including progressing our drive towards standardisation and shared services. We wish him well for the future.”

Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis said “Hugo has played an instrumental role over the years in supporting me in succession planning and has significantly contributed to the board’s strategic thinking in areas such as sustainable development and remuneration. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment.”

Organisational Resources Group executive Hugo Bague said “It is a real privilege to have worked for Rio Tinto for almost ten years and I am proud of what the team has achieved during my time with the business. It is also satisfying to see three of my team members – Joanne Farrell, Simone Niven and Vera Kirikova – rise to the Executive Committee and the business will be further strengthened by their contributions.”