Feb 23 (Reuters) - BHP Billiton (L:BLT) Ltd BHP.AX :
* BHP Billiton announces simplified operating model BHP.AX
* "Minerals production operations will be organised into two regional units - minerals Australia and minerals Americas"
* "Oil and gas exploration and production operations will continue to be housed within a global petroleum unit"
* Mike Henry, currently president coal, will become president Operations, minerals Australia
* Daniel Malchuk, currently president copper, will become president Operations, minerals Americas
* Says in addition to these changes, Dean Dalla Valle has been assigned to lead the company's response to the Samarco dam failure
* Says Jimmy Wilson, currently president iron ore, will leave the company
* Source text for Eikon ID:nASX9gzLbQ