BHP Group said Dec. 23 that Andrew Mackenzie will retire from the company March 31, 2020, three months earlier than the previously announced June 30, 2020, as the CEO transition is said to be "proceeding well and ahead of schedule."

The company said that Mike Henry will still assume the role of CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2020, following Mackenzie's stepping down as CEO on Dec. 31.

Henry vowed to continue the company's initiatives on emissions reduction and climate change, as pushed by Mackenzie.