Under Sir Rod's stewardship, Rio Tinto also established robust relations with China and expanded its flagship Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara, becoming the first Australian firm to export iron ore to China. Rio Tinto's current CEO, Jakob Stausholm, expressed profound sadness at Sir Rod's passing, highlighting his enduring influence on the company. Stausholm acknowledged Sir Rod's visionary approach to organizational development, emphasizing the importance of empowering employees, a legacy that continues to shape Rio Tinto's culture today.
Sir Rod's leadership and foresight were instrumental in CRA's growth and success, earning him recognition as an icon in the global mining industry. In recent years, Sir Rod generously shared his wisdom with Rio Tinto's current leadership, providing invaluable guidance to steer the company through contemporary challenges. Rio Tinto acknowledges Sir Rod's lasting impact and expresses gratitude for his exceptional leadership, which will forever be cherished in the company's history.