BHP Billiton, the world's largest diversified natural resources company, today announced the appointment of Mark Lidiard as Vice President of Investor Relations and Communications.  Mr Lidiard is presently Head of Investor Relations at Powergen plc.

Mr Lidiard will be based at the Group's Corporate Centre in London and will report to Chip Goodyear, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer.

Mr Goodyear said: "Mark is joining at a key time in the evolution of BHP Billiton. The Group's communications activities are a critical element in maximising the performance of our organisation.  Major activities for the year ahead include optimising our communications with our internal and external constituencies and communicating the unique investment aspects of BHP Billiton to our worldwide investor base.  

"In addition, Mark and his team will be a critical conduit to bring feedback from our constituencies into the strategic process and management decision-making at BHP Billiton.  Mark's success at Powergen and his knowledge of the investment marketplace make him an excellent addition to our team and an ideal candidate for this position.”

Mr Lidiard said: "BHP Billiton has taken a leadership position in a vastly restructured industry.  The Group's existing position and substantial growth profile make this an outstanding opportunity.  Communication will be critical to the overall effectiveness of the organisation. As a global organisation we must coordinate how we develop and disseminate the important characteristics of BHP Billiton.  I look forward to working with the team to make this happen."

Mr Lidiard will join BHP Billiton following completion of the acquisition of Powergen by E.ON.

CV for Mark Lidiard (pdf 50KB)

Australia
Dr Robert Porter, Investor Relations
Tel: + 61 3 9609 3540              
Mobile: +61 419 587 456
email: Robert.Porter@bhpbilliton.com

Mandy Frostick, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 4157
Mobile: +61 419 546 245
email: Mandy.J.Frostick@bhpbilliton.com

United States
Francis McAllister, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 713 961 8625        
Mobile: +1 713 480 3699
email: Francis.R.McAllister@bhpbilliton.com

United Kingdom/South Africa
Michael Campbell, Investor & Media Relations
Tel: +27 11 376 3360                
Mobile: +27 82 458 2587
email: Michael.J.Campbell@bhpbilliton.com

Ariane Gentil, Manager Communications
Tel: +44 20 7747 3977        
Mobile: + 44 7881 518 715
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com