After nearly six years at the helm, South African Kloppers will be replaced by Andrew Mackenzie, the chief executive of non-ferrous business at the world's biggest miner.
The departure of Mr Kloppers, who led the firm through the global financial crisis, came on the same day BHP reported that first half net profit plunged 58 per cent to US$4.2 billion.
Chairman Jac Nasser gave credit to Mr Kloppers for BHP outperforming rivals.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/breaking-news/corporate-results-world/bhp-billiton-ceo-retires-profits-plunge-20130220