Number 16/07

BHP Billiton announced today that Mr Chris Lynch would retire from the Board on 30 June and from the Company early in the new financial year. Mr Lynch is currently Group President Carbon Steel Materials and an Executive Director. He was appointed to the Board in January 2006.

Commenting on his decision, Mr Lynch said he would leave feeling confident about the future success of BHP Billiton and its outstanding people. "My time with BHP and then BHP Billiton has been both professionally and personally rewarding and I am looking forward to new challenges. I wish the Company great success in the years ahead," he said.

Chief Executive Officer Chip Goodyear paid tribute to Mr Lynch. "I have had the privilege of working alongside Chris over the last seven years. I thank him for his commitment to the Company and for his support and guidance. I wish him health and happiness in the years ahead," he said.

Chairman Don Argus also paid tribute to Mr Lynch and to his considerable achievements over the past seven years. "Chris is a world class executive who has made a significant contribution to the Company over many years, including in his role as Chief Financial Officer and more recently as Group President Carbon Steel Materials. My Board colleagues join me in thanking him for his many contributions to the Company," he said.

An announcement about Mr Lynch’s replacement will be made in due course. Until that time the Chief Executive Officer, Chip Goodyear, will assume the responsibilities of the role.

For further information please contact:

Australia
Samantha Evans, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 2898  Mobile: +61 400 693 915
email: Samantha.Evans@bhpbilliton.com

Jane Belcher, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952  Mobile: +61 417 031 653
email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom
Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4156  Mobile: +44 7769 934 942
email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com

Illtud Harri, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4195  Mobile: +44 7920 237 246
email: Illtud.Harri@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Tracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031
Mobile: +44 7917 648 093
email: Tracey.Whitehead@bhpbilliton.com

South Africa 
Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations
Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183
Mobile: +44 7769 936 227
email: Alison.Gilbert@bhpbilliton.com