Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX:ILU)‘s Chairman and Non-Executive Director Rob Cole has stepped down today, one month after taking temporary leave for health-related reasons.

Mr Cole had been on Iluka’s board since 2018, overseeing changes such as the demergers of Detera Royalties and Sierra Rutile and – even more significantly – Iluka’s diversification into rare earths.

With more than 30 years of experience in the energy and resource sectors – working around business strategy and planning – Mr Cole came to Iluka as former Managing Director of Beach Energy, in addition to more than eight years of experience at Woodside Petroleum under his belt.

At Woodside, he had held several senior positions in commercial, corporate, and legal areas including Executive Director, Executive Vice President (Corporate and Commercial), and General Counsel.

Andrea Sutton – who’s stepping into the Acting Chair role while Iluka decides on a permanent Chair – reflected on Mr Cole’s presentation at the company’s AGM in May when he spoke of Iluka’s commitment to delivering sustainable results. She added, “His personal contribution to this commitment has been unwavering.”

Managing director and chief executive officer Tom O’Leary emphasised Mr Cole’s influence on the leadership team.

“Rob’s contribution at the board [sic] has always been of the highest calibre and I’m grateful for his support, particularly since taking the Chair role in 2022,” he said.

“All of us at Iluka are wishing him the very best for his recovery.”

Iluka has been trading at $5.13.

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