Mining giant BHP Group (NYSE: BHP) has announced the appointment of Jessica Farrell as President North America, with the role taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Farrell currently serves as Vice President Innovation at BHP and brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience within the company to her new position.
In addition to her North America responsibilities, Farrell will serve as interim President, South America, until a permanent appointment is made to fill that role.
Prior to her role as Vice President Innovation, Farrell held the position of Western Australia Nickel Asset President, reflecting a career built across multiple operational and strategic functions at BHP.
The leadership changes come as part of a broader executive restructuring that follows BHP’s March 18 announcement naming Brandon Craig as incoming Chief Executive Officer, also effective July 1.
Incoming CEO Craig said, “These new appointments ensure that we continue to build organisational capacity, with the right mix of skills, experience and perspectives to deliver BHP’s strategy and pursue our growth agenda.”
Craig added, “The President Americas role will be split into President North America and President South America. This will allow a greater focus on each of these regions.”
Separately, effective September 1, Edgar Basto will transition from his role as Chief Operating Officer to a new position as Chief Enterprise Performance Officer, while remaining on the Executive Leadership Team and reporting directly to the CEO.
Geraldine Slattery will continue as President Australia and will take on added responsibility for Copper South Australia, consolidating oversight of all Australian operating assets under her leadership.
The structural changes signal a deliberate effort by incoming CEO Craig to sharpen regional focus and strengthen the executive bench as BHP pursues its long-term growth strategy.
BHP shares closed Friday’s regular trading session on the Australian Securities Exchange at A$58.67, up 0.26 percent, as markets absorbed the leadership announcements ahead of the July 1 transition date.
