Anglo American on Friday named Sir John Parker as its new chairman in a signal that the international mining group believes it has a strong independent future after its emphatic rejection of a merger offer from rival Xstrata.

Sir John, who has been chairman of National Grid since 2002, brings a wealth of experience of international business and is well-regarded in the City. The 67 year-old will take on the Anglo American chairmanship from August 1, replacing Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, who will retire from the board after seven years in the post.