Brian Pontifex
Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive @ Rio Tinto | Executive Management
Rio Tinto•Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
As Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive at Rio Tinto, I contribute to executive management, business development, and building effective relationships, leveraging over two decades of experience in government relations, law and international affairs. My role focuses on supporting leadership initiatives and fostering collaboration across the organization to achieve strategic objectives. Previously, I held various senior government relations roles at Rio Tinto, where I facilitated engagement across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. My background as an Australian Ambassador to the OECD and expertise in legal affairs, political risk analysis, and governmental affairs reinforce my commitment to fostering impactful partnerships and advancing organizational goals.
Career Timeline
- Rio TintoCurrent2019–Present· 7 yrs 9 mos
- Chief of Staff, Chief Executive OfficerCurrentSep 2024–Present
- Head of Government Relations Australia & the PacificApr 2021–Aug 2024
- Chief Advisor Government Relations Australia2019–Apr 2021
- May 2015–2019· 3 yrs 8 mos
- Ambassador to the OECD for AustraliaMay 2015–2019
- Feb 2010–Apr 2015· 5 yrs 2 mos
- Chief of Staff to the Premier of Western AustraliaFeb 2010–Apr 2015
- Nov 2007–2010· 2 yrs 2 mos
- General Manager Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Browse LNG ProjectNov 2007–2010
- Sep 2005–Oct 2007· 2 yrs 1 mo
- Legal Advisor, OECD Anti-Corruption DivisionSep 2005–Oct 2007
- Feb 2002–Sep 2004· 2 yrs 7 mos
- Chief Of Staff/Law Enforcement Policy AdviserFeb 2002–Sep 2004
- Feb 1995–Dec 2001· 6 yrs 10 mos
- Lawyer, Senior AssociateFeb 1995–Dec 2001
Education
Master of International Law
The University of EdinburghBachelor of Laws - LLB
The Australian National UniversityBachelor of Arts - BA
Political Science and History
The University of Western Australia