BHP president Australia Geraldine Slattery has been appointed as a director of the Business Council of Australia (BCA) board, adding senior resources sector leadership to the organisation’s advocacy for economic growth and competitiveness.

Business Council president Geoff Culbert welcomed Slattery’s appointment, highlighting her extensive operational and global experience across the resources industry.

“Geraldine’s operational leadership across geographies and commodities brings vital insight to the BCA as we focus on future investment, global competitiveness, and shared prosperity,” Culbert said.

Slattery leads BHP’s Australian operations and previously headed the miner’s global petroleum business. Culbert said her experience would strengthen the council’s policy engagement at a time of increasing global competition.

“Geraldine’s deep experience in what it takes to invest and grow in a complex global industry and an ever more competitive world will strengthen the BCA’s advocacy for a stronger Australian economy built on productivity and innovation,” he added.

Slattery said strong business leadership was critical as Australia navigated economic and policy challenges.

“Strong business leadership has never been more important to helping Australia meet the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to support the BCA work to foster policies that grow investment, improve Australia’s global competitiveness and lift living standards for all Australians.”

Culbert also acknowledged the contributions of Kellie Parker and Meg O’Neill, who were stepping down from the board following their departures from Rio Tinto and Woodside respectively.

“Kellie has been a tremendous voice for growth and the role of the resources sector in supporting communities across the country, and she leaves the Board with our deep thanks and appreciation,” Culbert said.

“Meg has also been a highly valued member of the BCA Board, providing exceptionally valuable international perspectives on Australian policy debates, and we wish her all the best with her next steps as her career takes her abroad.”

Slattery joins a BCA board that includes Culbert, Telstra CEO and MD Vicki Brady, AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda, Commonwealth Bank CEO and MD Matt Comyn, Wesfarmers MD and CEO Rob Scott, Google Australia and New Zealand MD and VP Mel Silva, Gilbert & Tobin co-founder and chair Danny Gilbert AM, and BCA chief executive Bran Black.