Number 13/04

BHP Billiton announced today that it had modified its organisation structure to streamline reporting and maximise the operational effectiveness of the company.  As a result, the existing Customer Sector Groups (CSGs) will be brought under three broadly related business areas of Non-Ferrous Materials, Carbon Steel Materials and Energy.  The existing CSG structure has been very effective and will be continued within the new structure.  The leadership of the individual CSGs will continue to have responsibility for their strategy development, operations, project identification and project development.

Mike Salamon, President Aluminium, Senior Minerals Executive and an Executive Director of BHP Billiton will become Group President Non-Ferrous Materials.  Mike’s area of responsibility will include the Aluminium CSG, the Base Metals CSG and the Stainless Steel CSG.  In addition, he will be responsible for Health, Safety and Environment and Project Development Services and continue his role as an Executive Director of BHP Billiton. Alex Vanselow, currently CFO Aluminium, will become President Aluminium and a member of the Executive Committee.

Bob Kirkby will become Group President Carbon Steel Materials.  He will retain his overall responsibility for the company’s iron ore, metallurgical coal and manganese businesses.  He will also assume responsibility for Operating Excellence and Group Supply.  Bob will join the Office of the Chief Executive.

Phil Aiken, in addition to retaining his role as President Petroleum, will become Group President Energy.  Phil will be responsible for the Petroleum and Energy Coal CSGs.

The Diamonds and Specialty Products CSG, including Minerals Exploration and Technology, will report to the Chief Commercial Officer, Marius Kloppers.  In addition to retaining his current role as President Diamonds and Specialty Products, Marcus Randolph will assume responsibilities in the business development area.

The functional areas of Finance, Legal and Human Resources will remain unchanged other than that Ian Fraser, Group Vice President Human Resources, will join the Office of the Chief Executive.

Chip Goodyear, Chief Executive Officer, said: “These adjustments to our organisation maintain the very effective customer focused CSGs while allowing us to streamline reporting. They will allow us to more efficiently execute our strategy and identify and execute value-added opportunities.”

The financial reporting structure remains unchanged.

The Office of the Chief Executive, the principal managerial decision-making body in the Group, will now comprise the following positions:

• Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director – Chip Goodyear
• Group President Non-Ferrous Materials & Executive Director – Mike Salamon
• Group President Carbon Steel Materials – Bob Kirkby
• Group President Energy – Phil Aiken
• Chief Commercial Officer – Marius Kloppers
• Chief Financial Officer – Chris Lynch
• Chief Legal Counsel – John Fast
• Group Vice President Human Resources – Ian Fraser

These changes are effective immediately.

For further information contact:

Australia
Andrew Nairn, Investor Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3952  Mobile: +61 408 313 259
email: Andrew.W.Nairn@bhpbilliton.com

Tania Price, Media Relations
Tel: +61 3 9609 3815  Mobile: +61 419 152 780
email: Tania.Price@bhpbilliton.com

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

Ariane Gentil, Media Relations
Tel: +44 20 7802 4177
email: Ariane.Gentil@bhpbilliton.com

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

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