Rio Tinto, the global mining giant, has appointed Katie Jackson, a former Shell executive with responsibility for acquisitions, as its new copper head.
Jackson, who is currently the president of UK-based energy infrastructure firm National Grid Ventures, will join Rio Tinto on September 1. She will succeed Bold Baatar, who will take on the role of chief commercial officer later this year.
At Shell, Jackson previously held operational and commercial roles, including heading acquisitions, divestment and new business development across the energy company’s portfolio.
As the head of Rio Tinto’s copper operations, Jackson will oversee the ramp-up of the miner’s prized Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, which holds one of the world’s largest deposits of the metal. Copper is a key material for the green energy transition.
The appointment of Jackson, an experienced executive with a background in the energy industry, signals Rio Tinto’s focus on developing its copper business, which is seen as crucial for the company’s growth and its role in supporting the global shift towards renewable energy.