John Fast To Retire From BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton announced today that Chief Legal Counsel and Head of External Affairs, John Fast, would retire from the Company early in the new financial year.

Mr Fast, who joined BHP in late 1999, said he had enjoyed his period with the Company immensely and was looking forward to applying the experience he had gained to new challenges. “This is a great company and I have enjoyed being part of its tremendous success and growth over the last seven years”, he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Chip Goodyear, said that John had made a significant contribution through the execution of best practice across the Company’s legal, government and asset protection functions and by providing his wise counsel on many important issues and strategic transactions. He thanked him for his commitment over the years. “John has been a valued member of my senior executive team and I wish him well in his future career,” he said.

An announcement about Mr Fast’s replacement will be made in due course. Until that time, Peter De Zwart, Regional Counsel Americas, will assume the responsibilities of the role.