Codelco announces leadership change as VP of People Management resigns

Chilean state-owned copper giant Codelco is undergoing a significant leadership transition following the unexpected resignation of its Vice President of People Management, Mary Carmen Llano Aranzasti. Her departure is effective August 31, 2026.

The mining company has moved swiftly to fill the vacancy, appointing Fernando Hernández Ortega to the crucial role. Hernández Ortega previously served as Vice President of Human Resources at Collahuasi, another major mining operation. He is set to assume his new responsibilities on September 1, 2026.

This change at the top of Codelco's human resources division comes at a critical time for the company, which is navigating complex operational and strategic challenges. The appointment of Hernández Ortega signals a continued focus on managing the company's extensive workforce and talent development initiatives.

Llano Aranzasti's voluntary resignation marks the end of her tenure in a key executive position. The reasons behind her departure were not immediately detailed, but the move underscores the dynamic nature of senior leadership within large industrial corporations.