Lithium giant Albemarle names BHP's Ragnar Udd as next CEO

Sept. 3 (Reuters) - Albemarle said on Thursday that BHP executive Ragnar Udd would become its next CEO in February, a move that adds a veteran mining executive to lead the world's largest lithium producer as it works to recover from a prolonged industry downturn.

Udd, who said earlier this week he would step down as BHP's chief commercial officer, will replace Kent Masters, 65, who will become executive chairman after nearly seven years as CEO.

A 54-year-old Canadian, Udd will relocate to Albemarle's North Carolina headquarters next year. He will face the immediate challenge of guiding the company through an era of turbulent market pricing while also maintaining relationships with Tesla, General Motors, Panasonic and other key customers.