Rio Tinto, one of the world's largest metals and mining companies, said it was bringing in top former oil executives to join its front office staff.

Rio Tinto said it was immediately appointing former Centrica Chief Executive Sam Laidlaw and former Sasol Ltd. Chief Executive David Constable to non-executive positions on its board of directors. Former Shell Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry joins the board July 1.

"The new directors broaden the experience of the board, bringing considerable expertise in the resources sector and an international perspective, having enjoyed long careers in executive roles with multinational businesses," Rio Tinto said in a statement. "All three also have significant experience as non-executive directors with leading listed companies."

Shell in particular has been retooling since it merged last year with British energy company BG Group.

Henry was with Shell for more than 30 years and appointed as CFO in May 2009. He gave no reason when announcing plans in December to leave Shell. The company said Jessica Uhl, whose previous work entailed oversight over parts of Shell's shale business in North America as well as gas exploration, takes over for Henry starting in March.

For Rio Tinto, the company is coming off a strong production performance for the fourth quarter. The company's chief executive said the company would focus on cost reductions and fiscal discipline in 2017.

Chairman Jan du Plessis said the new additions would give support to the company's strategies moving forward.

"With diverse expertise across successful international engineering, resources and financial businesses, I have no doubt that their insight and hands-on experience will strengthen the board," he said.