Rio Tinto appoints three non-exec independent directors

Shares Rio Tinto are up more than 3% after the mining giant confirmed the appointment of three oil- and energy-sector heavyweights to the boards of London-quoted Rio Tinto Plc and Australia-listed Rio Tinto Ltd.

"The new directors broaden the experience of the board, bringing considerable expertise in the resources sector and an international perspective, having enjoyed long careers in executive roles with multinational businesses," said Rio.

"All three also have significant experience as non-executive directors with leading listed companies," the company added.

The former CEOs of Sasol Ltd and Centrica Plc, respectively David Constable and Sam Laidlaw, would be appointed with immediate effect as independent non-executive directors.

Royal Dutch Shell's CFO, Simon Henry, would join the board, also as a non-executive independent director, with effect from 1 July.

Rio said that non-executive directors Robert Brown and Anne Lauvergeon had indicated their intention to step down from the board at the AGM of Rio Tinto Ltd on 4 May 2017.

At 13:43 GMT, shares in Rio Tinto were up 3.36% to 3495.5p each.