Hockridge, who has previously filled positions in senior transport, operational manufacturing and human resources for US-based BlueScope and the BHP Billiton Group, will replace acting CEO Steve Cantwell.

When announcing the appointment, QR chairman John Prescott said Hockridge’s experience in steering BlueScope towards a more customer service and commercially focused company was pivotal to his selection.

He added the company’s board had undertaken an extensive national and international search to replace former CEO Bob Scheuber, who left the company in April.

Hockridge is currently president of BlueScope Steel’s North America operations and has previously worked alongside QR in his role as group general manager of BHP Transport.

A start date for Hockridge is yet to be announced and Cantwell will continue as acting CEO in the interim.