Management & Governance

Letters of appointment

Non executive directors have formal letters of appointment setting out their duties and responsibilities. These letters are available for inspection at Rio Tinto plc's registered office, prior to the annual general meeting and at the meeting itself. Each non executive director is appointed subject to subsequent election and periodic re-election by shareholders as detailed in Election and re-election.

There are no provisions for compensation payable on termination of any non executive director's appointment.

The chairman's letter of appointment summarises his duties as chairman of the Group and was agreed by the Remuneration committee. It stipulates that he is expected to dedicate at least three days per week on average to carry out these duties. The letter envisages that Paul Skinner will continue in the role of chairman until he reaches the age of 65 in 2009, subject to re-election as a director by shareholders, although the appointment may be terminated by either Rio Tinto or Paul Skinner giving six months' notice. Other than in this case, there is no provision for compensation payable on termination of his chairmanship or directorship.