Dr John Uhrig AO

Dr John Uhrig is a former mineral exploration executive. Dr Uhrig began his career as a trainee metallurgist with BHP Co Ltd in 1945, then worked for a number of other firms before joining Simpson Holdings in 1974. He retired from the company as managing director in 1985.

He was appointed chair of Rio Tinto Limited in 1987 and deputy chair of Rio Tinto PLC in 1996. He also chaired Santos Limited and the Australian Minerals and Energy Environment Foundation. Dr Uhrig is a foundation member of the National Companies and Securities Commission and chaired the Inquiry into the Industries Assistance Commission. In 2002, then Prime Minister John Howard appointed Dr Uhrig to review the corporate governance of statutory authorities, which became known as “The Uhrig Review”.

In 1997 Dr Uhrig was awarded a Doctor of Economics honoris causa from UQ. In 2000 he was named a Companion of the Order of Australia for “leadership in business, to the arts, and to the community through support for the preservation of national heritage, improved provision of health care services and facilities and as an advocate for social justice for disadvantaged members of society.”

Awards

Doctor of Economics honoris causa
1997