Rio Tinto Ltd has appointed Mr David Peever as its MD Australia following the resignation of Mr Stephen Creese from the role earlier this month.

Mr Peever was most recently MD of Rio Tinto Marine and has held previous roles within the group's Pacific Coal, Dampier Salt and Rio Tinto Borax units.

He will remain in Melbourne and will report directly to Perth based iron ore chief Mr Sam Walsh, who was appointed head of the miner's corporate office earlier this month.

Mr Walsh said that "It is quite fitting that David’s career with Rio Tinto has been comprehensive, spanning disciplines, product groups and regions. This breadth of experience will prove invaluable in his new role.”