BHP Billiton today announced that Diego Hernández will be leaving the company after accepting an offer to become CEO of the Chilean Corporación Nacional del Cobre (Codelco). Details of his successor will be announced shortly.

Andrew Mackenzie, President Non Ferrous, said:

"Diego has made a significant contribution in growing BHP Billiton's Base Metals division. The instrumental role he played in the commissioning of projects such as Spence, Escondida's Sulphide Leach and Escondida Norte, will underpin BHP Billiton's Base Metals future performance. We wish him and his family every success for the future."