Career Biography:
Chris assumed his current role at Rio Tinto in February 2023, where he is responsible for the global operations of the Legal, Governance, Compliance, and Corporate Affairs functions. The team comprises 392 professionals operating globally. Since joining Rio Chris has been responsible for rolling out new technology (including AI), establishing a new team in Mongolia and delivering operational improvements including year on year financial improvements, as well as launching a corporate advisory and Australian legal panel.
Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Chris spent over 24 years at BT Group, where he progressed from commercial lawyer to General Counsel for BT Technology, also acting as Chief Operating Officer for BT’s Legal, Governance & Compliance function and the General Counsel for UK Commercial leading on BT’s largest enterprise transactions. Chris led the legal team which supported the first commercial launch of 5G services in the UK at the same time as managing the implications of progressive regulatory restrictions on Huawei.
Chris qualified as a Barrister and has also worked in the legal functions of Experian, Volkswagen Audi Group and Blick plc. Chris is recognised for leading large-scale legal transformation, driving operational excellence, and developing high-performing, cross-functional legal teams.