# World’s largest mining group names new chief executive

By Russ Mould — 2026-03-18

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: “The market seems comfortable with the idea of an internal replacement for outgoing boss Mike Henry. Continuity is welcomed given the strategy pursued by Henry appears to be bearing fruit.

“The miner has shifted its focus away from a previous reliance on iron ore and thermal coal towards commodities like copper, nickel and potash which are seen as more ‘future facing’.

“BHP achieved a milestone with the company’s first-half results in February as copper overtook iron ore as the largest contributor to profit for the first time.

“Incoming CEO Brandon Craig has a hard act to follow as he looks to build on the growth in copper production achieved under Mike Henry. His hands-on experience of managing several of BHP’s largest copper assets should be a plus point in this sense.

“Whether this will involve turning to M&A again after BHP’s unsuccessful pursuit of Anglo American remains to be seen. Markets may want to see signs of organic progress before they’re prepared to back a new man at the top in pursuing a big deal.”

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