FORMER BHP Billiton executive Jimmy Wilson has been announced as the CBH Group’s next chief executive officer.
The former head of BHP’s Iron Ore division began his role with CBH on Monday as CEO-elect, and will formally take over from Andy Crane on October 1.
Mr Wilson has worked internationally in several commodities, including iron ore, coal, nickel, chrome, aluminum and gold.
He led BHP’s Energy Coal, Stainless Steel and Nickel West divisions in Australia and managed BHP’s Chrome and Aluminium operations in South Africa, before becoming president of the company’s Iron Ore division.
Mr Wilson was also a member of the Group Management Committee at BHP for four years.
He said he was excited about his new role and was looking forward to the challenge.
“I have worked across many different countries, commodities and markets over my career and the shift into grain, while outside the traditional mining and resources sector, has many operational and trading synergies with the industries I have enjoyed working in,” Mr Wilson said.
“Jobs of this calibre and complexity are rare – even more so in Perth – and I feel very privileged to undertake this appointment, and begin an exciting future path with CBH and the growers of Western Australia.”
The appointment ends CBH’s search for a replacement for Dr Crane who has been at the helm of the country’s largest grain exporter for the past eight years, and announced his resignation in March.
CBH Group chairman Wally Newman said the CBH board was confident Mr Wilson was the right fit for the job, and his comprehensive experience developing, operating and innovating international supply chains would bring a lot to the co-operative.
“The board was seeking a candidate that would drive and shape the next phase of development for our growers’ supply chain, ensuring the organisation is fit to match the fiercely competitive environment of international grain trading and foster the culture required to support this,” Mr Newman said.
