Sam Walsh

Who is Sam Walsh?

Sam Maurice Cossart Walsh AO is the Chief Executive Officer of London-based Rio Tinto Group. Appointed on 17 January 2013, aged 63, he replaced former chief executive Tom Albanese after company write-downs of US$22 billion in two years. Prior to his appointment, Walsh served as Rio Tinto chief of the Iron Ore group, and of Rio Tinto Australia. Based in Perth, he oversaw successful mining operations and expansions in Pilbara, Western Australia. During his tenure, the lucrative Pilbara iron ore business grew to account for more than 80% of Rio Tinto’s net earnings.