Paul Skinner

For the British philatelist, see Paul Skinner (philatelist).

Paul David Skinner, CBE (24 December 1944 – 21 October 2024) was a British businessman who was the chairman of the Rio Tinto Group from 2003 to 2009.

Paul Skinner
Born	Paul David Skinner (1944-12-24)24 December 1944
Died	21 October 2024(2024-10-21) (aged 79)
Nationality	British
Education	Cambridge University Manchester Business School
Occupation	Businessman
Title	Chairman, Rio Tinto Group
Term	2003–2009
Predecessor	Robert Wilson
Successor	Jan du Plessis

Early life

Skinner was born in 1944 and earned a law degree from Cambridge University, followed by attending Manchester Business School.^[1]

Career

He first worked for Shell as a student in 1963, rising to managing director, but lost out to Sir Philip Watts in the contest to become its chairman.^[1]

In November 2003, Skinner was appointed chairman of Rio Tinto Group, succeeding Sir Robert Wilson.^[1] In 2009, he was succeeded by Jan du Plessis.^[2]

Personal life and death

Skinner was married and had two sons.^[1] He died from cancer on 21 October 2024, at the age of 79.^[3]

Honours

Skinner was appointed CBE in the 2014 New Year Honours.^[4]