BHP Billiton To Appoint Marius Kloppers As New CEO

The Board of BHP Billiton announced today that Marius Kloppers would succeed Chip Goodyear as Chief Executive Officer from 1 October 2007.

In February the Company announced that Mr Goodyear would retire by the end of the year and that a search was underway for a new Chief Executive Officer.

Chairman Don Argus said the Board was confident that Mr Kloppers would bring to the CEO role the skills needed to take the company to the next stage of its development.

“We are in a time of considerable change in our industry with the emergence of new markets and sources of supply. Marius’ vast experience in the resources sector and his demonstrated strategic capabilities provide the skills we need in the next leader of our great company”, he said.

Mr Kloppers is currently Group President Non-Ferrous Materials and an Executive Director of BHP Billiton. Since the formation of the BHP Billiton Group in 2001 he has also held the positions of Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Commercial Officer.

Mr Goodyear said Mr Kloppers had extensive experience in the operating, marketing and strategic aspects of the natural resources industry, gained through 14 years with BHP Billiton and its predecessor companies. “Marius has an excellent strategic mind and delivers on his commitments. He has a very value focused leadership style and will make an excellent CEO,” he said.

Mr Kloppers said he was humbled by the trust placed in him by the Board. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead an outstanding company with talented people and I am committed to continuing the great work of Chip and his team,” Mr Kloppers said.

Mr Goodyear will retire as CEO on 30 September and from the Group at the end of the 2007 calendar year.

Mr Kloppers will be based at the Group’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.