APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BHP Billiton Chairman, Jac Nasser, today announced the appointment of Mr Pat Davies to the BHP Billiton Board as an independent Non-executive Director, effective 1 June 2012. 

Mr Davies was the Chief Executive of Sasol Limited from 1 July 2005 until his retirement on 30 June 2011. He was appointed to the Sasol Board in 1997. Sasol is a global chemical and mining company, with operations in 38 countries and primary listings on the Johannesburg and New York stock exchanges.

Mr Nasser said the appointment of Mr Davies was part of the Board's commitment to continuing skill development and Board succession.

"Pat's appointment is a welcome addition to an already strong Board, providing additional experience in the oil and gas industry in particular.  His corporate experience in the natural resources sector across a number of geographies, commodities and markets, will ensure a significant contribution to the Board," he said.

Davies' career with Sasol spanned 36 years and included a number of diverse roles. Prior to becoming Chief Executive, he was responsible for the group's oil and gas businesses.

Mr Davies' appointment brings the total number of Non-executive Directors to 12.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com.

Pat Davies

Pat Davies (61) was the Chief Executive of Sasol Limited from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2011. He was appointed to the Sasol Ltd Board in 1997 and was also a director of several companies within the Sasol Group.

During his tenure as Chief Executive, Sasol grew considerably both in international footprint and profitability.  

In addition to his leadership of the Sasol oil and gas business, Mr Davies was also responsible for the globalisation of Sasol's gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology.  This proprietary technology was one of the keys to Sasol's growth. Mr Davies played a central role in establishing a number of new companies and joint ventures based on this technology.

He led the US$1 billion Mozambican Natural Gas Project from inception to successful completion and has played a key part in a number of Sasol's black economic empowerment ventures.

Through his roles with Sasol, he has broad mining and alternative energy experience.

Mr Davies joined Sasol in 1975 and has held various positions in engineering design, project management, operations management and corporate affairs.  He obtained a BSc mechanical engineering degree, cum laude, from the University of Natal in 1975 and attended the Harvard Business School PMD in 1986.