CHARLOTTE – Albemarle Corp. has named BHP executive Ragnar “Rag” Udd as its next president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2027, setting a leadership transition at the Charlotte-based lithium and bromine company.
Udd will also join Albemarle’s board of directors. He currently serves as BHP’s chief commercial officer and as a member of the global resources company’s executive leadership team, with responsibility for sales and marketing, procurement, maritime activities and commodities-market strategy.
Albemarle said Udd has more than 25 years of experience leading resources businesses across Australia, Asia and the Americas. His earlier BHP roles included president of the Americas, where he led the company’s copper and potash businesses, as well as interim chief technology officer and leadership positions in logistics, infrastructure and iron ore.
Kent Masters, Albemarle’s current chairman and CEO, will move to executive chairman when Udd joins the company. Masters will lead the board’s governance and provide input on strategic planning through Albemarle’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting. The board will review his role after that meeting as part of its annual director nomination process.
Gerald Steiner will continue as lead independent director. Albemarle announced the succession plan Sept. 3 from Charlotte. The company supplies lithium and bromine for markets including energy storage, mobility, connectivity and health.