BHP picks Slattery to lead Aust operations

"Geraldine has navigated the petroleum business through the intensity of the successful merger and integration with Woodside, while delivering outstanding performance," BHP CEO Mike Henry said in a statement filed with the ASX.

Edgar Basto has been appointed chief operating officer, also from October 1, after more than three decades with BHP, most recently as president of the Minerals Australia division.

He has also led BHP's two largest assets - Western Australia Iron Ore and Escondida - and headed up the global health, safety and environment team.

Mr Henry said the two appointments put safety and operational reliability at the heart of value creation at BHP.

Ms Slattery joined BHP in 1994 and has led the oil and gas development programs in the United States, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, Mexico, and Canada.