Ben Wyatt AO

Appointment

September 2021; Senior Independent Director Rio Tinto Limited (October 2025)

Committee membership

• People & Remuneration Committee (Chair)
• Audit & Risk Committee
• Nominations & Governance Committee

Experience

Ben had a prolific career in the Western Australian Parliament before retiring in March 2021. He held a number of ministerial positions and became the first Indigenous treasurer of an Australian parliament. His extensive knowledge of public policy, finance, international trade and Indigenous affairs brings valuable insight and adds to the depth of knowledge on the Board. Ben was previously an officer in the Australian Army Reserves and went on to have a career in the legal profession as a barrister and solicitor. 

Select Board skills and competencies

• Nuanced understanding of Indigenous affairs and public policy that supports the Group's commitment to stakeholder partnerships and building trust in the communities in which Rio Tinto operates.
• Board policy experience across treasury, finance and energy matters and insight into complex international trade dynamics.
• Government and regulatory affairs expertise and understanding of the Western Australia and Pilbara regions that strengthens Rio Tinto’s focus on social license to operate.

Current external appointments

Non-Executive Director (Chair) of Crown Resorts Perth, Non-Executive Director of Woodside Energy Group Ltd and West Coast Eagles, member of the Advisory Committee of Australian Capital Equity.