The global mining group Rio Tinto has named Martina Merz and Sharon Thorne non-executive directors. Martina Merz is set to become a Board member on February 1, 2024, and will subsequently be a candidate for election at the company's annual general meetings in 2024. Similarly, Sharon Thorne is scheduled to join the Board on July 1, 2024, and will stand for election at the annual general meetings in 2025.
Newly appointed directors’ profile
Martina Merz, a German national, possesses a wealth of leadership and operational expertise. Her most recent role was as the Chief Executive Officer of ThyssenKrupp, a conglomerate specialising in industrial engineering and steel production. Martina has held various leadership positions, including notable roles at Robert Bosch GMBH and Chassis Brakes International. With extensive experience managing listed companies, she currently serves on the Board of AB Volvo and the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG. Additionally, Martina has served as a former Board member at Imerys SA, SAF Holland SE, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Thyssenkrupp AG, and Bekaert SA.
Sharon Thorne, a citizen of the United Kingdom, is a Chartered Accountant with an extensive 36-year career at Deloitte. Her journey with the firm saw her rise to the position of audit partner in 1998, and over the years, she took on various Executive and Board responsibilities. In 2017, she assumed the role of Deputy CEO for Deloitte North West Europe, and in 2019, she ascended to the position of Global Chair. Sharon concluded her remarkable career by retiring at the close of November 2023. Beyond her contributions at Deloitte, she has actively served on the boards of influential organizations such as the Confederation for British Industry, Prostate Cancer UK, and the Social Progress Imperative.
What the Chairman says
Dominic Barton, the Chairman of Rio Tinto, said, "Martina has extensive leadership experience in handling cyclical businesses, navigating the energy transition and decarbonisation initiatives, and leading innovation and R&D efforts. This expertise, combined with significant board experience as a non-executive director, makes her a valuable addition to the Rio Tinto Board."
"Having Chaired the largest professional services firm in the world, Sharon brings extensive and transformational leadership experience together with deep industry knowledge gained over 30 years of auditing and advising multinational clients. I am very pleased to welcome Sharon to our Board."
Appointed directors’ words
Martina Merz said, “I am pleased to be joining Rio Tinto at an exciting time for the company. I believe there are real opportunities to be unlocked and look forward to working with the Board to deliver its long-term strategy.”
Sharon Thorne said, “I look forward to contributing to Rio Tinto’s ongoing transformation as the company positions itself to thrive in a decarbonising world. I am excited about the work ahead with my fellow Board members to help shape a strong future.”
Responses
