Rio Tinto on Monday appointed former Anglo American group executive director Simon Thompson to lead the company, replacing their departing chairman who will step down next March.

Thompson, a veteran with more than 20 years industry experience, joined Rio as a non-executive board member in 2014. He will succeed Jan du Plessis, who will have served almost nine years in the role.  

“The board is delighted to have appointed Simon to chair Rio Tinto," senior independent director Ann Godbehere said in a statement.

"He brings to the role a deep understanding of the mining industry, as well as a strong track record as a non-executive.”