BHP Billiton’s head of iron ore Ian Ashby will stand down in July after 25 years with the resources giant.

Mr Ashby will be replaced as iron ore president by BHP’s energy coal president Jimmy Wilson, the company said on Friday.

BHP’s chief executive of ferrous and coal Marcus Randolph said Mr Ashby had led the company’s iron ore as it became BHP’s largest and most profitable business.

Mr Wilson has more than 20 years’ experience with BHP, he said.

“He will build on Ian’s successful leadership to continue to grow the iron ore business, while ensuring it continues to operate to world class standards,” Mr Randolph said in a statement.

BHP’s energy coal chief financial officer Andre Liebenberg will be acting president of energy coal until a permanent replacement is appointed.