BHP Chooses Male CEO, Misses Gender Equality Mark

0:00Local headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to Sydney News today. BHP just named Brandon Craig as his new chief executive, passing over two top female contenders, Geraldine Slattery and Vandita Pant. Slattery, who leads BHP's operations in Australia, was the clear favorite for the role. Craig, an internal rising star, steps in to replace Mike Henry. Slattery also missed out on the top job at Woodside this week, where Liz Westcott took the position instead. Pant serves as BHP's chief financial officer. The board saw this as a close race, but chose Craig for his strong track record. Many in the industry feel a sense of disappointment, especially among younger women, aiming for executive roles. BHP has pushed hard for gender equality, including more women on work sites and in promotions. Appointing a woman would have marked a historic first after 140 years. Craig brings solid experience from running BHP's iron ore business, once the company's top earner, and lately its US operations focused on copper.

1:03And Potash. The board praised his skills in boosting productivity, like at the Escondita copper mine, and deals in Canada. One of his early challenges will be a trip to China to resolve a six-month dispute over iron ore pricing with a state-backed buyer. Meanwhile, the mining sector lags in female CEOs compared to retail giants like Coles and Woolworths. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. You know what is better than earbuds and bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com