Sam Walsh

Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto Iron Ore

Sam Walsh was appointed Chief Executive of Rio Tinto Iron Ore in December 2004.

He oversees operations and projects in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Guinea and the Orissa project in India.  In addition, Sam is  Chairman of Rio Tinto China. His role also includes responsibility for Rio Tinto Iron Ore's interest in the Hope Downs joint venture. 

Sam's career in Rio Tinto has been in the iron ore and aluminium product groups.  He was Chief Executive of Comalco and Rio Tinto Aluminium (2001-2004) and Chairman of Rio Tinto Japan from 2002 to 2005.  Sam has held a number of senior positions within the iron ore group - Vice President of Rio Tinto Iron Ore (2000-2001) following the acquisition of North Limited; and Managing Director of Hamersley Operations (1997- 2000), Managing Director of Hamersley Sales and Marketing (1994-1997). 

Sam has a Bachelor of Commerce from Melbourne University and has completed a Fellowship Program at Kettering University in Michigan.  He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, a Vice President of the Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, a Councillor of the WA Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Committee for Perth Ltd and Chairman of the Rio Tinto Western Australia Future Fund.