SYDNEY, March 17 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto RIO.AX RIO.L said Chief Executive Sam Walsh will retire July 1, 2016, and will be succeeded by the global miner's copper and coal division head Jean-Sébastien Jacques.
"To ensure a smooth transition, Jean-Sébastien, will join the board and become deputy chief executive with immediate effect," the company said in a statement.