Rio Tinto Appoints Novartis Legal Head As General Counsel Executive

(Alliance News) - Rio Tinto PLC said Monday it has appointed Barbara Levi as group general counsel with effect from January 1, 2020.

She will be replacing Philip Richards, who will retire after two years in the role since 2017.

Levi is currently legal head for M&A and strategic transactions with Swiss pharmaceutical group Novartis AG for five months since February. She has been part of Novartis since 2004.

"Barbara has extensive legal experience across corporate, commercial and compliance matters gained within a complex multinational organisation which makes her an ideal choice to lead Rio Tinto's legal and compliance team. I am delighted to welcome her to Rio Tinto and look forward to having her join the executive team," said Chief Executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques.

Shares in Rio Tinto were up 0.4% at 4,898.00 pence on Monday in London.