Rio unveils aluminium management team

Rio Tinto Ltd has named the executive management team that will lead its expanded aluminium business with the $42 billion takeover of Canadian-based Alcan Inc. The team will report directly to current Alcan chief executive Dick Evans, who will assume the chief executive role of the combined aluminium group. Steve Hodgson will be president and chief executive of the bauxite and alumina division, Jacynthe Cote will be responsible for the primary metal arm and Christel Bories will oversee engineered products. Rio Tinto has appointed Ilene Gordon to take care of the packaging division until the completion of its planned divestment. "As we approach the closing of the transaction, its important to hit the ground running with a strong executive team that can begin to capitalise right away on our leadership position in the aluminium industry," Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese said. Finance, human resources and communications will be led by Phillip Strachan, Jean-Christophe Deslarzes and Corey Copeland, respectively. Rio Tinto launched its takeover bid for Alcan in July, trumping a rival offer from United States-based aluminium producer Alcoa. The company is offering $US101 ($A112.47) cash a share for the aluminium producer, valuing Alcan at $US38.1 billion ($A42.43 billion).