Former BP chief executive Tony Hayward has been appointed the chairman of Glencore Xstrata.
The 56-year-old will officially take-up the helm after becoming interim chairman last year.
Glencore, which is run by billionaire Ivan Glasenberg, is one of the world’s biggest crude oil traders.
Last month’s acquisition of Caracal Energy for $1.35billion expanded its global interests.
Peter Grauer, chairman of Glencore’s nomination committee, credited Hayward’s ‘exemplary leadership’ for the permanent appointment.
He said: “We continue to look forward to harnessing his in-depth knowledge of the resources industry and of listed company governance.”
Hayward relinquished his post at BP after 11 workers died following the blowout of the Macondo well. Deepwater Horizon was the worst offshore oil spill in US history.