Rio Tinto plans 2026 exit of key governance chief

Rio Tinto reports a planned executive change, as Isabelle Deschamps, Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer, has decided to leave the company during 2026 after five years in the role.

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Rio Tinto reports a planned executive change, as Isabelle Deschamps, Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer, has decided to leave the company during 2026 after five years in the role. She joined in 2021 and will remain in her position until at least mid‑2026.

The company plans a rigorous succession process while she continues to ensure continuity. Statements from Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive and from Ms. Deschamps highlight her role in strengthening governance, supporting business development and key partnerships, and reinforcing the group’s broader strategy and commitment to responsible mining.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

Rio Tinto announces an orderly transition of a key legal and governance executive role.

The departure of Isabelle Deschamps, Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer, is framed as a planned move during 2026. She is expected to stay until at least mid‑2026, giving Rio Tinto time to conduct a rigorous succession process.

This role covers legal oversight, governance, and corporate affairs, areas that directly support risk management and stakeholder trust. The extended transition window may help preserve continuity while the company searches for a successor, with future disclosures likely detailing the new appointee once selected.

FAQ

What executive leadership change did Rio Tinto (RIO) announce in this 6-K?

Rio Tinto announced that Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer Isabelle Deschamps has decided to leave during 2026. She will remain in her role until at least mid‑2026 while the company undertakes a rigorous succession process for this key governance position.

When will Isabelle Deschamps leave Rio Tinto (RIO) and how long will she stay in her role?

Isabelle Deschamps plans to leave Rio Tinto during 2026 but will remain in her role until at least mid‑2026. This extended period is intended to ensure continuity while the company runs a rigorous process to identify and appoint her successor.

What has been Isabelle Deschamps’ contribution to Rio Tinto (RIO) according to the announcement?

The announcement states that Isabelle Deschamps helped lay foundations for a stronger Rio Tinto, reinforcing its commitment to "doing mining the right way." She is credited with strengthening governance, supporting business development, and advancing key partnerships as the business delivers against its stated strategy.

How does Rio Tinto (RIO) describe the succession process for the departing executive?

Rio Tinto describes the succession process as rigorous, to be conducted while Isabelle Deschamps remains in her position. By keeping her in the role until at least mid‑2026, the company aims to maintain continuity in legal, governance and corporate affairs during the transition period.

Who authorised the release of Rio Tinto’s executive team change announcement?

The announcement was authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary. This is noted in the notice to ASX and LSE, reflecting that the information is an official communication from the company’s governance function.

How long has Isabelle Deschamps served as a Rio Tinto (RIO) executive?

The notice states that Isabelle Deschamps has been in the Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer role for five years. It also notes she joined Rio Tinto in 2021, during which time she has focused on governance, business development, and key strategic partnerships.

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Accepted by SEC EDGAR 02/12/2026 - 04:33 PM Learn about SEC filing dates

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

February 12, 2026

Commission file number: 001-10533			Commission file number: 001-34121
Rio Tinto plc			Rio Tinto Limited
			ABN 96 004 458 404
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)			(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
6 St. James’s Square			Level 43, 120 Collins Street
London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom			Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐

EXHIBITS

99.1Stock Exchange announcement dated 12 February 2026 entitled ‘Rio Tinto executive team change’.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.

Rio Tinto plc						Rio Tinto Limited
(Registrant)						(Registrant)
By			/s/ Andrew Hodges			By			/s/ Tim Paine
Name			Andrew Hodges			Name			Tim Paine
Title			Company Secretary			Title			Company Secretary
Date			12 February 2026			Date			12 February 2026

Notice to ASX/LSE Rio Tinto executive team change 12 February 2026 Isabelle Deschamps, Chief Legal, Governance & Corporate Affairs Officer, has decided to leave Rio Tinto during 2026, after five years in the role, to pursue new opportunities outside the company. Isabelle will remain in her role until at least mid‑2026 to ensure continuity while Rio Tinto undertakes a rigorous succession process. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “Since joining in 2021, Isabelle has helped lay the foundations for a stronger Rio Tinto, supporting future growth and reinforcing our commitment to doing mining the right way. I thank Isabelle for her ongoing contribution.” Isabelle Deschamps said: “It has been a privilege to serve Rio Tinto. I am proud of the progress we have made in strengthening governance, and supporting business development and key partnerships, as the business delivers against its strategy.” EXHIBIT 99.1

Notice to ASX/LSE Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, United Kingdom Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637 David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Rachel Pupazzoni M +61 438 875 469 Bruce Tobin  M +61 419 103 454 Media Relations, Canada Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Vanessa Damha M +1 514 715 2152 Media Relations, US & Latin America Jesse Riseborough M +1 202 394 9480 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Rachel Arellano M +44 7584 609 644 David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797 Weiwei Hu M +44 7825 907 230 Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Eddie Gan-Och M +61 477 599 714 Rio Tinto plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Limited Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary. riotinto.com

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

3 documents

Press Releases

• EX-99.1 EX-99.1 3.2 KB

Other Documents

• EX-1 ex1rtexecchange_isabelle001.jpg 84.3 KB
• EX-1 ex1rtexecchange_isabelle002.jpg 106.2 KB