A former BHP Billiton official has joined the boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited as a non-executive director.

Chris Lynch, who had an extensive career in the mining and metals industry, including seven years at BHP Billiton, where he was chief financial officer and then executive director and then group president - Carbon Steel Materials, was named to the board of the two companies.

Lynch also spent 20 years with Alcoa Inc. He is currently chief executive officer of Transurban Group and is also a commissioner of the Australian Football League.

Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis recognized Lynch's expertise and believes he will be a valuable addition to the boards of the two companies.

"He has nearly 30 years of tremendous experience acquired in the mining and metals industry. In addition, Chris is a leading figure in the Australian business community and his appointment reflects the significance of Australia to Rio Tinto's global operations," du Plessis said.

He said Lynch brings with him considerable international experience gained from other global businesseswhich Rio Tinto stand to benefit.

Lynch held a series of senior appointments at BHP Billiton between 2000 and 2007, spending six years as chief financial officer before becoming executive director and group president -- Carbon Steel Materials.

Lynch has been a director of the publicly-quoted companies listed during the last five years. He is current director of The Transurban Group Limited comprising the following entities: Transurban Holdings Limited; Transurban Infrastructure Management Limited and Transurban International Limited.

He was also a past director of BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton plc (until 30 June 2007).

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore.

The company's activities are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.