Broomhead will step onto the board from December 1, before replacing Russel Caplan as chairman at the beginning of next year.

Caplan will step down as part of the company’s general board succession plan.  

“Malcolm is a highly experienced business leader with extensive experience in industrial and mining companies globally, including his leadership of Orica as its CEO from 2001 to 2005,” Caplan said.

“He brings to the board a deep understanding of both the mining and mining services sector, and exceptional leadership skills through every part of the resources cycle.

“After eight years on the Orica board the time is right for me to leave the board and for a change in board leadership.

“A board and management succession program is critical for any business, and one of the core roles of the chairman.

“Orica has a new, world-class management team in place that is well placed to enable Orica to further build its market leadership.

“With Malcolm’s deep knowledge of the industry and company, I have no doubt he will be an outstanding chairman in that endeavour.”

Broomhead is currently a non-executive director at BHP Billiton, as well as chairman of freight logistics company Asciano.

Prior to this, Broomhead held a range of senior positions at North Limited, including CEO, managing director, chief financial officer and executive director of operations.