BHP Announces Leadership Transition: Ken MacKenzie to Retire, Ross McEwan to Become New Chair
BHP, a global leader in mining, has confirmed a significant leadership change, with its current Chair, Ken MacKenzie, set to retire from the Board of BHP Group Limited on March 31, 2025. MacKenzie has served as Chair since 2017, having joined the BHP Board as a Director in 2016. Under his leadership, BHP has undergone a major strategic transformation, shifting its focus toward future-facing commodities and adopting a more streamlined, resilient, and productive operational structure.
Ken MacKenzie's Leadership Legacy
Ken MacKenzie’s tenure as Chair was marked by a comprehensive strategy to reshape BHP’s portfolio, emphasizing growth in commodities critical to the global transition to a more sustainable economy. Throughout his leadership, MacKenzie has consistently championed the integration of safety, disciplined capital management, and cultural excellence into the company’s operations. His approach also prioritized the creation of long-term social value, a key component in BHP’s operational philosophy.
In his retirement announcement, MacKenzie reflected on his nine years with BHP, saying, “It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of BHP for the last 8 years and as a Director for 9 years. I am proud of what the Board and management has achieved during that time. BHP is a simpler, more productive, and more resilient company, and this has been a result of a talented and committed team focused on creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our supply chain, partners, and our communities.”
MacKenzie also expressed his gratitude towards his fellow Board members and BHP’s broader team, acknowledging their dedication to the company’s ongoing success. He welcomed his successor, Ross McEwan, and wished him all the best in his new role, stating that McEwan is “an excellent choice as leader of the Board.”
Ross McEwan’s Appointment as Chair
Ross McEwan’s appointment as BHP’s new Chair follows a formal succession process led by BHP Senior Independent Director, Gary Goldberg. McEwan, who has been an independent Non-executive Director of BHP since April 4, 2024, brings more than three decades of global executive experience, primarily in the financial services industry. His deep expertise spans capital allocation, risk management, and value creation in complex, regulated environments.
Before joining BHP’s Board, McEwan served as the CEO of National Australia Bank from 2019 to April 2024, following a distinguished tenure as the Group CEO of the Royal Bank of Scotland from 2013 to 2019. McEwan has also held senior roles at institutions such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, First NZ Capital Securities, and National Mutual Life Association of Australasia / AXA New Zealand.
McEwan’s leadership style is underscored by a strong focus on people, culture, and innovation. He is particularly passionate about leveraging technology as a driver of organizational transformation, having worked closely with customers, regulators, and governments throughout his career. In addition to his role at BHP, McEwan serves as the Lead Independent Director of Reece Limited and is a Non-executive Director of QinetiQ Group Plc.
Ross McEwan’s Vision for the Future
In his statement about taking over as Chair, Ross McEwan expressed his deep honor at succeeding Ken MacKenzie and recognized the tremendous progress the company has made under MacKenzie’s leadership. He acknowledged that BHP’s current position, simplified, more agile, and better prepared for the future, was a testament to MacKenzie’s strategic vision.
McEwan commented, “Ken will be remembered for his strategic decision-making, active institutional and retail shareholder engagement, and outstanding capacity to see value, whether that’s in strategy, portfolio, operational excellence, or capital allocation.” As the incoming Chair, McEwan is committed to continuing this legacy, focusing on generating long-term value for BHP’s shareholders. He also emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with both the Board and management to ensure BHP remains well-positioned for future success.
BHP's Focus on Capital Allocation and Organizational Transformation
One of McEwan’s key strengths is his ability to manage complex organizational transformations and effectively allocate capital in a manner that maximizes value creation. He has a proven track record of successfully leading large institutions through periods of strategic change and regulatory challenges, making him a fitting choice for guiding BHP through the next phase of its growth.
Under McEwan’s leadership, BHP is expected to continue its evolution, capitalizing on the technological innovations that are increasingly shaping the mining and resource industries. McEwan’s focus on people and culture aligns with BHP’s core values of safety, inclusion, and creating sustainable value for its stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and communities.
BHP’s Corporate Strategy Under New Leadership
As McEwan steps into the role of Chair, BHP’s strategic direction will likely continue its shift toward focusing on critical resources that are essential for the energy transition. With global demand for materials such as copper, lithium, and nickel on the rise, BHP remains committed to ensuring that its portfolio is aligned with future-facing commodities.
Under both MacKenzie and McEwan, BHP has maintained a disciplined approach to capital management, prioritizing efficient operations while simultaneously aiming to reduce its environmental impact. As McEwan settles into his new role, the company is expected to place increasing emphasis on technological innovation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability.
A Smooth Transition for BHP's Future
This leadership transition at BHP represents not only a change at the helm but also an opportunity to build on the strategic foundation laid by Ken MacKenzie. With Ross McEwan now positioned to lead BHP as Chair, the company is in capable hands, poised to continue its pursuit of long-term value creation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility. As the mining industry faces new challenges and opportunities, BHP’s leadership will be critical in navigating the complexities of the global market while remaining committed to safety, sustainability, and value creation for all stakeholders.
Through this change, BHP reaffirms its dedication to future-proofing its operations and delivering on its commitment to shareholders, communities, and the environment. With McEwan’s leadership, BHP is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the coming years.
