BHP Billiton has appointed Westpac Banking Corporation managing director and chief executive officer Dr David Morgan as a non-executive director to its Board.

BHP Billiton chairman Don Angus says Dr Morgan's appointment will be an important and valuable addition to the Board, bringing with him more than 30 years' experience in the financial sector.

"We are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of someone of David's calibre for our Board. He brings with him a wealth of financial services experience, having worked in both the private and public sector, including heading Westpac, for the past nine years, and prior to this at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC and as the Senior Deputy Secretary of the Australian Federal Treasury."

Mr Argus says the appointment brings the number of BHP Billiton directors to 12. "The Group's established process of continually assessing the breadth of skills and competencies of directors will continue to ensure that the Board is made up of members best able to promote shareholder interests and effectively govern the Group.

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