Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The Board of Oyu Tolgoi LLC has appointed Mr Andrew Woodley as president and chief executive officer, after Mr Craig Kinnell announced his departure from the role for personal reasons.
Andrew Woodley is currently managing director of Rio Tinto’s coal business in Mozambique. He has worked for Rio Tinto for more than 18 years, in many different areas, including Aluminium and Coal, as well as being executive assistant to the chief executive officer and the chairman; he has a degree in mining and an MBA. Additionally, Mr Woodley has worked as a management consultant and entrepreneur. He will relocate to Ulaanbaatar with his family to take up this position.
Mr Jean-Sebastien Jacques, chief executive, Rio Tinto Copper, said: “I am very pleased Andrew has accepted this exciting and challenging assignment, and we look forward to working with him closely. I know Andrew will be an excellent fit, and he has a wealth of expertise across a broad range of Rio Tinto’s international operations, including solid experience in developing economies.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to Craig Kinnell for his hard work, loyalty and dedication. Craig has been an exceptionally strong CEO of Oyu Tolgoi LLC. He has established safety as the number one priority, realised significant cost savings, and repositioned Oyu Tolgoi as the safe, sustainable, profitable, and internationally competitive business we want it to be.”
Mr Batsukh Galsan, Chairman, Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s Board of Directors, said “The Board welcomes this appointment and has every confidence that Andrew will build on the strong foundations Craig has created for us. We look forward to welcoming Andrew and his family to Mongolia.
“I have hugely enjoyed working with Craig over the past year. He has made a significant contribution to Oyu Tolgoi, particularly as it transitioned from post-commissioning to steady-state operations, and he leaves us with the business fundamentals in a position of strength. We wish him well for the future.”
Mr Craig Kinnell said: “I have enjoyed my time with Oyu Tolgoi greatly, and only wish I could have been here for longer. I am proud of the workforce and all they do for Oyu Tolgoi and this great country, Mongolia. I wish Andrew all the best in his new role.”
Mr Kinnell will be returning to the United Kingdom, for personal reasons, and will take up a new role at Rio Tinto to be announced in due course. His last day at Oyu Tolgoi will be 15th November 2014. Mr Woodley will be appointed president and chief executive officer, Oyu Tolgoi LLC, in October 2014 – this will allow for a comprehensive handover.
About Oyu Tolgoi LLC (http://ot.mn/en)
Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Mongolia's largest copper and gold mining company, is a strategic partnership between the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources and Rio Tinto. Located in the Umnugobi, Oyu Tolgoi has commissioned Concentrator plant in December, 2012 and commenced shipments of copper concentrate in July of 2013. As the biggest single investment in Mongolian history, Oyu Tolgoi already is a major driver of the country’s economy.
Oyu Tolgoi is managed by Rio Tinto, which is investing global expertise and cutting-edge technology to help develop Mongolia’s mining industry and ensure Oyu Tolgoi is one of the world’s most advanced mines. Oyu Tolgoi is developing a nationwide vocational training programme, regional infrastructure, and is committed to ensuring more than 90 per cent Mongolian national employment and a strong Mongolian supplier base. These programmes will help drive economic growth for generations to come.
Oyu Tolgoi’s core commitment is to a safe work place and setting a new standard in environmental care.
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