March 9 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto Plc RIO.L :
* Says chairman Jan du Plessis has informed board that he intends to retire as chairman after completion of an orderly succession process
* Planning for chair succession by board commenced in June 2016 after announcement of appointment of J-S Jacques as CEO
* Senior independent director John Varley is leading process to appoint a new chairman
* Says successor expected to be announced before end of 2017
* Du Plessis retiring as chairman by no later than 2018 annual general meeting in australia
* Du Plessis will join BT Group (LON:BT) board as a non-executive director on June 1, 2017 and become chairman of BT effective Nov 1, 2017 Source text for Eikon: ID:nRSI9611Ya Further company coverage: RIO.L
(Bangalore.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)