Dr David Smith had a career at Rio Tinto spanning 30 years, and was managing director and president of Rio Tinto’s Simandou iron ore operations in Guinea. Prior to that role, he was managing director of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Iron unit from 2004 to 2008 and was responsible for all Rio Tinto’s operations in the Pilbara, and managing director of Hamersley Iron from 2001 to 2004.
Dr Smith was president of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (2005 to 2008), a councillor of the Australia Business Arts Foundation (2003 to 2008), and chair of the National Skills Shortages Strategy working group (2006).
He was also deputy chair of the West Australian Ballet and had served on the board for a maximum of 9 years. Dr Smith was awarded Honorary Life Member in May 2021.
