BHP announced a leadership reshuffle, following the appoint of a new CEO Brandon Craig to take the reins from July 1, 2026.
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BHP Group has announced a reshuffle of its senior leadership team, marking the first major changes under incoming chief executive Brandon Craig, who is set to officially take over on July 1 following the departure of former CEO Mike Henry.
The global mining company said on Friday that the updates to its executive structure are aimed at strengthening organisational capacity and aligning leadership with its long-term growth strategy, according to Business Report.
“These new appointments ensure we continue to build organisational capacity, with the right mix of skills, experience, and perspectives to deliver BHP's strategy and pursue our growth agenda,” Craig said in a statement.
A key change is the splitting of the current President Americas role into two separate positions — President North America and President South America — a move the company says will allow for a more focused approach across both regions.
“Our operating environment is increasingly complex, but also rich in opportunity for companies that are best able to positively engage stakeholders, deploy capital to the right opportunities in a disciplined way, and deliver safe, reliable operational performance,” Craig said.
He added that the changes were intended to support BHP’s strategic delivery, operational performance and growth ambitions, while reinforcing its approach to social value creation and long-term shareholder returns.
Jessica Farrell has been appointed President North America, effective July 1, 2026. She is currently Vice President of Innovation and previously served as Western Australia Nickel Asset President.
“Jess has more than 20 years of experience across a range of commodities and jurisdictions, holding senior roles at BHP. Jess brings a strong combination of operational leadership, strategic implementation, and partnership experience. She has a proven track record of navigating complex transitions while prioritising safety, employee, and community outcomes,” Craig said.
Farrell will also act in the South America president role on an interim basis while recruitment for that position is finalised.
Current chief operating officer Edgar Basto will remain on the executive leadership team and report to the CEO in a new role as chief enterprise performance officer. In this capacity, he will continue overseeing health, safety and security, as well as the BHP Operating System, while also focusing on contractor safety and operational discipline across the group.
Geraldine Slattery will remain President Australia and will take on responsibility for Copper South Australia, consolidating the company’s Australian operations under her leadership.
Chief financial officer Vandita Pant, chief commercial officer Rag Udd, and chief development officer Catherine Raw will all continue in their current roles.
Mike Henry, who led BHP since 2020, oversaw a restructuring of the group that included the divestment of its oil and gas business and other non-core assets, simplifying the company’s portfolio.
Craig’s appointment has been widely seen as signalling continuity in strategy, with a focus on growth in copper and potash assets in regions including Canada, the United States and South America.
Craig joined BHP in 1999 and has more than 25 years of experience across operational and corporate roles. Prior to leading the Americas business in March 2024, he headed the Western Australia iron ore division, where he helped improve performance and strengthen BHP’s position as a low-cost, high-margin producer.
On the JSE on Friday afternoon, BHP’s share price was down 1.63% at R668.08, although still about 54% higher than a year earlier.
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