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Tom Albanese to join The Proclaimers?
Under fire from disgruntled shareholders, Rio Tinto’s chief executive Tom Albanese might consider a new career in the music industry. Such is Tom’s similarity to twins Charlie and Craig Reid, founders of Auchtermuchty duo The Proclaimers, institutional investors have speculated he would be a logical addition to the band’s line-up.
The Proclaimers, best known for the hits Im Gonna Be 500 Miles and Letter From America, have told insiders that they would consider morphing into a trio were the right candidate available.
Tom, a native of Ohio, has presided over a catalogue of mishaps at Rio. Egged on by departing chairman Paul Skinner, Tom shunned BHP Billitons takeover overtures, and swallowed a potentially lethal poison pill with Rios takeover of aluminium producer Alcan. Now, back to the wall, Rio is proposing to flog some of Australias family silver to China Inc in a desperate bid to cut its $54bn debt pile.
Still, all is not lost. Toms a cheerful and upbeat soul, an engaging character, and Im sure hed take the transition to troubadour in his stride.
By Charles Macdonald.
Email: charles.macdonald@informa.com.au
