UC RUSAL appoints a third Independent Non Executive Director to its Board of Directors

United Company RUSAL announceы the appointment of Simon Thompson as an independent Non Executive Director.

Simon Thompson, who was previously a main Board Director and Member of the Executive Committee of Anglo American plc, joins the UC RUSAL Board of Directors with effect from December 2007.

Simon Thompson will be the third independent Non Executive Director on the UC RUSAL Board, alongside Philip Lader and Dr. Nigel Kenny. The appointment of independent Non Executive Directors forms part of UC RUSAL’s ongoing programme to develop corporate management systems in compliance with the UK Combined Code on Corporate Governance.

Simon Thompson has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the global metals and mining industry, holding senior positions with Minorco and Anglo American.  Prior to this, he was an investment banker with SG Warburg and NM Rothschild, specializing in the natural resources sector. Simon is currently a non-executive director of AngloGold Ashanti. 

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Thompson said, “I am very pleased to have been invited to participate in the development of UC RUSAL as one of the world’s leading metals and mining corporations.  I look forward to playing a full role in the Board’s discussions.”

Biographical notes:

Simon Thompson was a Director of Anglo American plc from 2005-2007.  A Member of the Executive Committee from 2003-2007, he was also Chairman of Anglo Base Metals, Chairman of the Exploration Division and Chairman of Tarmac during this time.  Simon was Chief Executive of Anglo Base Metals (2001-2004) and, before that, Chief Executive of Anglo American’s Zinc division (1999-2001).  During his time with Minorco SA, he was President of Minorco Brazil (1997-1999) and Head of Project Finance (1995-1997).  As a Director of SG Warburg (1994-1995) and Assistant Director at NM Rothschild (1985-1994), he provided M&A, project finance and privatization advice to Governments and companies in the metals and mining sector.  He began his career with Lloyds Bank International (1981-1985). 

He has lived and worked in Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, France, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the UK and undertaken major projects or transactions in 23 additional countries.

Simon Thompson was educated at University College, Oxford (MA Geology), Manchester Business School (International Banking Diploma) and the London Business School (Corporate Finance Diploma).