Rio Tinto has appointed Simon Trott to replace Jean-Marc Lieberherr as head of its Diamonds unit as part of a restructuring of the Diamonds & Minerals product group.
Lieberherr leaves Rio Tinto after more than two years as managing director of the Diamonds business and 10 years with Rio Tinto Diamonds.
“Simon brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role," said Davies. "There is no change to Rio Tinto’s commitment to the diamond industry, to our customers and to other industry partners who are instrumental to our current and future success.”
Trott has more than 18 years of mining industry experience and has successfully led global businesses across different industries, most recently salt and uranium, Rio Tinto said in a statement.
Trott will continue to report to Diamonds & Minerals Chief Executive Alan Davies.
Trott said: “I am delighted to lead Rio Tinto’s high-quality global diamonds business and thank Jean-Marc for his contribution in setting up the business for future success. The market fundamentals for diamonds are very positive and we are well placed to continue to deliver value to all our stakeholders.”
