BHP Billiton appoints non-executive director

BHP Billiton Ltd has appointed Shriti Vadera as a non-executive director, taking the number of directors on the mining giant's board to 12.

Baroness Vadera, a former investment banker at UBS Warburg, most recently served as Minister for Africa and Minister for Economic Competitiveness and Enterprise in the British government.

She has also advised the Republic of Korea, Temasek Holdings and the government of Dubai.

Chairman Jac Nasser described Baroness Vadera as an "excellent addition" to the board, adding she was "highly regarded for her work in the private sector and with governments around the world."

At 1042 AEDT, shares in BHP were 0.61 per cent higher at $45.72, against a flat benchmark index.