BHP Billiton announced today the appointment of Peter Beaven as President Manganese based in Johannesburg. In this role Mr Beaven will be responsible for continuing the optimisation and growth of BHP Billiton's Manganese business. BHP Billiton is the world's largest producer of high-grade manganese ore.

Mr Beaven moves into the role following two and half years as Chief Development Officer for the Carbon Steel Materials group based in Melbourne. In his role as Chief Development Officer for Carbon Steel Materials, Mr Beaven was responsible for business development, strategy and project development for the company's iron ore, manganese and coking coal assets. Prior to joining BHP Billiton Mr Beaven was an Executive Director with global investment bank UBS Warburg, playing a key role in the successful BHP Billiton merger in 2001. Before joining UBS Warburg he was a member of BHP Billiton's Corporate Finance team in the Petroleum and Minerals groups.

Commenting on the appointment, Carbon Steel Materials President Bob Kirkby said: "Peter's knowledge of the Carbon Steel Materials business coupled with his sound financial skills will serve him well in his new role and will help propel the company's manganese business forward."

For the year ended 30 June 2005 BHP Billiton's manganese business delivered US$571 million of earnings before interest and tax from operating assets of US$513 million.

Mr Beaven will take on his new responsibilities with immediate effect.

In his role as Chief Development Officer for Carbon Steel Materials, Mr Beaven was responsible for a global portfolio of assets and served on the owner councils for BHP Billiton operations BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, BHP Mitsui Coal and Samarco. From 2000-2003 he was an Executive Director with UBS Warburg in charge of Australasian Resources. He was a key member of the BHP Billiton merger team and has been involved with the marketing and transaction execution with a wide range of Australian and off-shore companies involved in the resources industry.

Chief Development Officer, Carbon Steel Materials 2003-2005; Executive Director, UBS Warburg 2000-2003; Practice Leader Corporate Finance, BHP Billiton 1997-2000; Corporate Finance Manager, Dresdner Kleinwart Benson 1993-1997; Accountant, Natural Resources Institute 1993; Consultant, Price Waterhouse 1992-1993; Senior Auditor, Price Waterhouse 1990-1992.

University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Bachelor of Accountancy.

Qualified South African Chartered Accountant.

Mr Beaven is 38 and holds dual British and South African citizenship.

Married with one child.

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