Rio Tinto Names Iron Ore Boss Simon Trott as Miner’s New CEO

Rio Tinto Group named iron ore boss Simon Trott as its new chief executive officer at a time when the mining industry faces challenges from global trade upheaval and a resurgence in mega deals.

Trott, 50, who currently runs the company’s biggest and most profitable mines, takes on the role after Rio sought a new leader with more operational experience. Rio is in broadly good shape — it has a slew of major projects coming online, a strong balance sheet and a much improved culture — but the new CEO faces some big decisions and challenges.