​BHP Billiton has announced the appointment of Dale Calhoun as Chief People Officer Elect for its proposed demerger of global metals and mining company South32. Ms Calhoun’s appointment is effective 31 March 2015.

Dale will join the South32 Executive Committee from Tower Human Capital, a Perth based strategic human resources practice that she has owned and operated for the last seven years.

With an established career both as a senior human resources executive and as a consultant, Dale has worked across a number of industries and organisations including Fortescue Metals Group, Iluka Resources, Southcorp, Boral and George Weston Foods.

South32 CEO Elect Graham Kerr said: “Dale brings to the role extensive experience as a key strategic advisor on people and stakeholder related issues to Boards, CEOs and leadership teams.  This, together with her experience managing Government, Indigenous and Community relations, makes her a valuable addition to the South32 Executive Committee.”

The Chief People Officer role will include responsibility for Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Community Relations & Sustainability, bringing together many of the South32 stakeholders in an integrated approach.

The BHP Billiton Board on 17 March 2015 recommended shareholders approve the proposed demerger of South32 at Shareholder Meetings to be held on 6 May 2015. The Board believes that with a more focused portfolio BHP Billiton will be better placed to achieve further productivity benefits in its core portfolio, while creating a substantial new company, South32.

For more information, please see the News Release.