Lawrence Dechambenoit, Global Head of External Affairs, Rio Tinto

Lawrence leads external affairs activities in support of Rio Tinto’s operations globally, overseeing engagement with governments, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders in core markets (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, South Africa and Guinea).  He provides strategic EA counsel to the CEO, wider Executive team, Product Groups and the business’s critical projects.

He previously led Rio Tinto’s external affairs, media and communications, and community relations efforts across Europe, Africa and the Middle East as Vice-President Corporate Relations EMEA.

Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Lawrence was a Senior Director at the Albright Stonebridge Group advising global companies on their market entry and growth strategies in emerging markets. Lawrence started his professional career at the United Nations, working at the United Nations headquarters in New York but also at UN offices across Africa. At the UN he was in charge of peace-making efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lawrence holds a BA in Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London and an MA in international Political Economy from the University of Warwick, UK. He is also a recipient of the French Medal for National Defence with exceptional honours.