BHP Billiton has appointed Geoff Walsh as Director Public Affairs.

Geoff Walsh has had wide experience in government, politics and the media and was most recently Chief of Staff to former Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks.

He has also advised Australian Prime Ministers Hawke and Keating, was Australian Labor Party National Secretary from 2000-2003 and served as Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong from 1995-1998.

The position reports to BHP Billiton CEO, Marius Kloppers.

Mr Walsh will be responsible for government relations in Australia and co-ordination of the company’s communications globally.

Mr Kloppers said he was pleased to welcome Mr Walsh to the company.

"Geoff joins the company at an exciting and important time in its development and will bring valuable experience in government and communications to our team," he said.

Mr Walsh said he was very pleased to be joining the company and was looking forward to the new role.

"BHP Billiton is a great company with a global reach. The diversity and complexity of the company ensures the role will be both challenging and rewarding."