Rio Tinto appoints Jérôme Pécresse as aluminium chief executive

Jérôme Pécresse has been appointed aluminium chief executive of Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), effective October 23, 2023.

With over 30 years of business experience in global companies spanning the mining and energy sectors, up until recently, Mr Pécresse was president and chief executive of General Electric (GE) Renewable Energy.

He joined GE in 2015 after the company completed its acquisition of Alstom’s energy activities. At Alstom, he also led the company’s renewable energy business.

Before joining Alstom, Mr Pécresse spent 13 years in the mining and metals industry at Paris-based industrial minerals producer Imerys as chief operating officer and other various roles.

Mr Pécresse said he is thrilled to be joining Rio.

“I am thrilled to be joining Rio Tinto to continue building a stronger and more sustainable global aluminium business with our team around the globe,” he said.

“We have a key role to play in delivering on Rio Tinto’s strategy and supplying materials needed in a low carbon world.”

Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm commented on Mr Pécresse’s appointment.

“Jérôme brings a wealth of experience across renewable energy, mining, business development and strategy, ideal for shaping our industry leading aluminium business for a low carbon future,” he said.

“I look forward to welcoming Jérôme to Rio Tinto and to the diverse contribution I know he will make to our business at this critical moment for our industry.”