Rag Udd to depart BHP and become CEO of Albemarle

Rag Udd, the Chief Commercial Officer of BHP, will step down from his position at the end of January to pursue a new opportunity. Udd, who has spent nearly three decades with the mining giant, has been a key figure in managing BHP’s complex negotiations with China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) regarding iron ore deals.

Udd has been appointed as the new CEO of Albemarle, the lithium extraction company. He is scheduled to formally assume the role on February 1, 2027. Upon joining Albemarle, he will also join its board of directors, replacing Kent Masters, who will transition to the role of board chair.

During his tenure at BHP, Udd led the Americas division and oversaw significant projects, including the Jansen potash project in Canada and major copper operations in Chile, such as the Escondida mine.