Over a career spanning 21 years with BHP Billiton and its predecessor companies, Mike has held a number of leadership roles. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Billiton Plc and a key player in the 2001 merger between BHP and Billiton. In 2004 he was appointed Group President Non-Ferrous Materials with responsibility for BHP Billiton's aluminium, base metals and stainless steel materials customer sector groups. He became Executive President of BHP Billiton in early 2006 with responsibility for a range of functions including Marketing, Strategy and Business Development, Health, Safety and Environment, Sustainable Development, Exploration and Technology as well as several country offices.

BHP Billiton Chief Executive Officer, Chip Goodyear, thanked Mike for his invaluable service to the Group for over two decades.

"Mike has been a key leader and tireless contributor to our organisation for over 20 years. In the five years since the merger we have bedded down the joint company and created the leader in the resources industry. We have reported a series of record results and have in place a high quality management team. Mike has helped make all of these outcomes possible. We understand Mike's desire to take some time off and to eventually move into some new challenges, but will greatly miss his enthusiasm and wise counsel".

BHP Billiton's Chairman, Don Argus, also thanked Mike for his service on the Board and said that his Board colleagues would miss Mike's insightful contributions.

"We wish him continued success in the years ahead," he said.

Mr Salamon said that while there was never a perfect time to retire he felt privileged to have played a part in the creation of the world's largest diversified mining group.

"BHP Billiton is an outstanding organisation and I feel honoured to have been part of its success over the past 20 years. With its depth of quality assets and first class people it is well positioned for future success."

On retirement, Mr. Salamon's responsibilities will be allocated to existing members of the Office of the Chief Executive. Exploration and Technology will report to Marcus Randolph; Health, Safety and Environment, Sustainable Development and the China office will report to Chris Lynch; South Africa and Russia will report to Marius Kloppers; and, Strategy and Business Development and Marketing will both report directly to the CEO.

Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com

                                                                  The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia