BHP hires David Lamont as CFO from CSL

BHP has hired David Lamont as its next chief financial officer from Australian biotechnology group CSL, replacing Peter Beaven who is stepping down after 17 years at the mining group.

Lamont will take over as CFO in December and Beaven will provide support during the handover into early 2021, BHP said. Beaven, CFO since 2014, missed out on the chief executive's job at the FTSE 100 company in 2019 when Mike Henry was appointed.

Before joining CSL in 2016 Lamont held CFO jobs at various public companies including OZ Minerals and Incitec Pivot. He worked at BHP for five years up to 2006 and worked closely with Henry in the company's coal division.

Henry said: "David will bring broad global experience across a diverse range of industries, including mining, deep financial knowledge and a clear focus on delivering strong results for the company and shareholders."

Lamont started his career as an accountant at Deloitte. He will join BHP's executive leadership team when he arrives at the company.

Henry said: "I want to thank Peter Beaven for both the significant contribution he has made to BHP and the support and friendship he has shown me over many years.

"Having decided to pursue his own personal ambitions, Peter committed last financial year to support BHP through the transition from Andrew Mackenzie to a new CEO. His support has been invaluable to me as I have transitioned into the role."