BHP Group, the Australian mining giant, is poised to make history by appointing Geraldine Slattery as its first female chief executive in 140 years, the Financial Times reported on Friday. Slattery, who currently leads BHP’s Australian operations, would succeed CEO Mike Henry, who is expected to step down by mid-2026 after five years at the helm.
According to sources familiar with the board’s thinking, BHP is “not in a rush” to formalize the transition, allowing ample time for succession planning and a smooth handover. The miner, the world’s largest listed company in its sector, has a long-standing practice of grooming internal candidates for top leadership roles. Prospective CEOs are typically rotated through key positions and mentored over several years by the chair and board members, a system designed to ensure continuity and strategic alignment.
Slattery has spent more than three decades at BHP, including leadership of the company’s U.S. petroleum business, before moving into her current role. Her appointment would mark a significant milestone in an industry historically dominated by male executives, reflecting broader efforts within the mining sector to improve gender diversity at the highest levels.
Peer companies have also seen leadership changes in recent months. In July, Rio Tinto, another global mining powerhouse, appointed Simon Trott, an internal candidate who previously led the company’s most profitable iron ore division, as its new CEO. Such internal successions underscore a common trend among major miners to cultivate leadership from within, ensuring continuity and operational stability.
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The announcement comes amid a period of global attention on mining companies, which play a critical role in supplying raw materials for energy, infrastructure, and technology. Investors and market watchers often scrutinize leadership transitions closely, given their potential impact on strategic priorities, sustainability commitments, and financial performance.
BHP has not yet issued an official statement in response to the report, and the timing of a formal announcement remains uncertain. However, industry analysts suggest that Slattery’s deep operational experience and long tenure at the company make her a highly credible choice to lead BHP through the next phase of its global operations.
If confirmed, Slattery’s appointment would not only break a historic gender barrier but also signal the company’s commitment to leveraging internal talent and ensuring stable leadership in a rapidly evolving mining landscape.
