The Board

Sam Walsh

Appointed as Chief Executive for Rio Tinto Iron Ore in 2004, Sam Walsh is primarily responsible for overseeing the operations of Pilbara Iron, Hamersley Iron and HIsmelt Corporation.

Sam has held a number of management positions in the Rio Tinto Group including Chief Executive of Comalco Limited and Rio Tinto Aluminium and Vice-President of Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

In addition to being a Fellow of several industry associations, Sam is also a director of the WA Chamber of Commerce, a director of the Committee for Perth and an executive member of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee.

Kerry Sanderson AO

Kerry Sanderson is the Chief Executive Officer of Fremantle Ports. She is also Vice President of the Association of Australian Ports and Marine Authorities, a trustee of the Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation, a member of the Australian Logistics Council and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport and of the Australian Institute of Management.

Kerry was the recipient of the Telstra WA Business Woman of the Year Award in 1996 and was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2004.

Fred Chaney AO

Fred Chaney is the Deputy President of the Native Title Tribunal in Perth and is a Director of Reconciliation Australia Ltd.

After practicing law, Fred was elected to the Senate in 1974. He was a Minister for various portfolios in the Fraser Government, including Aboriginal Affairs and Social Security. Fred was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997 for his contribution to the establishment of the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia and mediating with the National Native Title Tribunal.

Tony Howarth AO

Tony Howarth has over 30 years' experience in the banking and finance industry including a role as former Managing Director of Challenge Bank Limited where he led its merger with Westpac's Western Australian business. He spent six years as Chairman of Alinta Limited and led the Alinta Board through the utility's privatisation.

Tony is Chairman of Home Building Society Limited and is a member of the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership, which helps develop closer links between corporate and community groups.

Janet Holmes à Court AO

Janet Holmes à Court is the Chairman of family-owned company Heytesbury Pty Ltd that has extensive business interests in Australia and overseas.

One of Australia's most influential business women, Janet is also Chairman of the Australian Children's Television Foundation and The West Australian Symphony Orchestra. In 1995, Janet was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to Business, the Arts and the Community.

Kevin McLeish

Kevin McLeish is the Chief Operating Officer of Argyle Diamonds, having joined the organisation in 2005 as General Manager Operations. 

Kevin joined Rio Tinto in 1989 and has held operational management roles in Aluminium, Copper, Diamonds and Iron Ore businesses in both Australia and internationally.

Joanne Farrell

Joanne Farrell has more than 25 years’ experience as a human resources professional in the resources industry.

As Iron Ore Vice President – Organisation Resources, Joanne oversees human resource activities for the global product group accounting for health, safety, communities and environment practice.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Economics) from University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Management from Curtin University.

Greg Lilleyman

Greg Lilleyman has worked within the Rio Tinto Group since 1990, holding a number of operating roles mostly in iron ore and new mine developments in Australia and Canada. He is currently Managing Director, Pilbara Mining Operations for Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Prior to this he held the positions of Mining General Manager at the Iron Ore Company of Canada, General Manager at Robe Operations and most recently General Manager for East Pilbara Operations and Project Director for the Hope Downs Project.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Construction) from Curtin University of Technology, Bentley.