How BHP's Leadership Change Impacts Mining Sustainability

BHP has announced the appointment of Brandon Craig as its new CEO, effective from 1 July, 2026. Brandon will succeed Mike Henry, who has led the company for six and a half years.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the global mining sector, as demand for future-facing commodities continues to reshape the industry landscape.

Brandon has served as President of BHP Americas since March 2024 and brings more than two decades of experience within the company. In his current role, he oversees the company's growth strategy in future-facing commodities across Canada, the US and South America.

During his tenure at BHP, the company has become the world's largest copper producer and advanced growth options in copper and potash. Prior to his role in the Americas, Brandon led BHP's Western Australian iron ore business, where he enhanced operational performance and positioned BHP as the lowest cost, highest margin major iron ore producer globally.

"As incoming CEO, I am committed to leading the talented and hard-working people who make BHP a great company and continuing to generate long-term value for all our shareholders," Brandon says.

"I will work tirelessly with the Board and management to achieve this. I look forward to continuing to take this great company forward."

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Copper mining takes priority

Brandon's appointment follows BHP's February announcement that copper contributed the largest share of its profit for the first time, surpassing iron ore. This shift reflects broader changes in the mining sector as companies respond to growing demand for minerals essential to energy transition and technological advancement.

The company plans to move away from resources like coal and towards copper mining operations. According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for copper could grow by 70% by 2050, driven by electric vehicle production and data centre expansion.

Brandon says he plans to maintain BHP's position as a diversified miner, focusing growth across copper, iron ore, potash and coal. However, he has not ruled out potential mergers or acquisitions that align with the company's strategic objectives.

Mike oversaw BHP's development as a leading copper producer and prioritised safety and high-performance culture throughout his tenure.

"It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of BHP and to have worked with so many truly talented people... BHP is a safer and higher performing company and is better positioned for future growth," Mike adds.

"We are creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our supply chain, partners and our communities. Brandon is an excellent choice as CEO, and I wish him every success in the role."

Strengthening mining sector partnerships

Brandon says BHP's key focus will need to be on enhancing relationships with governments and customers. He notes BHP's recent financial disagreement with China's Mineral Resources Group, which saw the company ban its steel mills from purchasing some of BHP's products.

"I do think it's really, really important that we continue to strengthen the relationships with our customers, particularly in China," Brandon says.

Despite global business tensions, the mining sector has received support from western governments as mineral demand for new forms of energy and defence industries grows.

Brandon adds: "The importance of mining to the economic ambition of security of nations around the world has never been more important or so well understood."

Following the company's success in achieving industry-leading status, average annual shareholder returns amounted to 17%, with the firm returning approximately US$80bn to investors. Brandon notes his focus on organic growth across the company's core commodities and plans to remain cautious when taking on new deals, saying that any mergers or acquisitions "would have to be incredibly compelling" to compete with BHP's existing options.

BHP Chair Ross McEwan highlights his optimism over Brandon's growth strategy, saying: "I am confident that [Brandon's] discipline and focus will continue to drive BHP's high-performance culture and advance the company's unrivalled pipeline of growth options to maximise shareholder returns."

Mike's achievements in leadership, partnered with BHP's soon to be commissioned potash mine, leaves the company well-placed to deliver on high-margin growth through its diversified mining portfolio.