Mackenzie, BHP’s non-ferrous chief executive, was poached from Rio Tinto by Kloppers in November 2007 before starting in 2008.

Kloppers said former BHP CEO Paul Anderson had told him to start thinking about his successor from the first day he was appointed to the top job in 2007.

He said he immediately called Mackenzie but he initially resisted the offer.

“Thank you for saying yes the third time,” Kloppers said this morning.

“I’m proud to be handing the reigns over to him.”

It was clear that the two men were close and Kloppers referred to Mackenzie as a close friend several times during a media briefing this morning.

“I consider you [Mackenzie] in a very real sense as the guy I would go to if I was seeking advice for my kids and I would listen to that advice,” he said.

Glasgow-born Mackenzie was also full of praise when it came to his predecessor and said the fact he was so well-prepared for the job was a testament not only to Kloppers but to BHP’s succession planning.

“Of course I’m biased given the outcome,” he joked.

“The best bit about it is that Marius isn’t going anywhere any time soon.”

Kloppers will stay on as CEO until May and on the board until October 1.

Mackenzie described it as a “luxurious” handover period in which he would continue to learn from Kloppers.

BHP chairman Jac Nasser said Mackenzie was the right person for the job and paid tribute to Kloppers’ 20-year career at BHP, including six as CEO.

“It’s never easy when an outstanding and successful CEO decides to move on,” he said but added that it was the right time.

He said the company had a deep pipeline of talent and needed to ensure the next generation was developed.

“It reflects the board’s preference to appoint an internal candidate,” Nasser said.

He said Kloppers had made an outstanding contribution and had a remarkable track record.

“Marius positioned the company to invest through the cycle,” Nasser said.

Mackenzie said he intended to continue BHP’s strategy but wanted to build momentum.

“There are lots of things that are great about this company that I have no intention of changing,” he said.

Mackenzie will relocate from London to Melbourne to take on the top job, a move he is looking forward to.

“There is no job I’d rather do,” he said.

As for Kloppers, he said he would focus on getting his third child through year 12.

“From there we’ll contemplate what life brings next,” he said.

BHP last traded 1% down to $A38.59.