Ms Deschamps brings, the corporation said in a statement, “over 20 years’ experience in various senior legal roles across Europe and Canada”. At AkzoNobel, it continued, “she is responsible for all legal, integrity & compliance and intellectual property management, as well as company secretary [and] was a driving force behind the Diversity & Inclusion program”.

Prior to this, she held positions at Unilever, Nestle, and practices at a Canadian-based law firm. She is admitted to the England and Wales Law Society and to the Quebec (Canada) Bar.

Speaking about the appointment, Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said: “Isabelle brings a wealth and diversity of legal experience having worked in various senior legal roles for a number of large multinational companies.

“I am delighted to welcome her to Rio Tinto and look forward to having her join the executive team and lead our legal, compliance and external affairs teams.”