Rio post a blow for WA arts

As he settles into London and the top job at miner Rio Tinto, Sam Walsh has made a lightning trip to Perth to break bad news to the local arts community.

According to sources close to Mr Walsh, he has reluctantly conceded that the demands of running the world's second biggest mining group from Britain mean he will have to step down from his many arts and charitable roles in Perth.

A tireless supporter of the arts in WA with his wife Leanne, Mr Walsh's roles included chairman of the Black Swan State Theatre Company and the Chamber of Arts and Culture.

He got the top Rio job last week after the departure of Tom Albanese amid costly writedowns on coal and aluminium assets.

It is understood Mr Walsh is yet to decide on his role as an independent director of Seven West Media, publisher of _The West Australian _.