Miner Anglo to appoint John Parker as chairman-paper

LONDON, July 9 (Reuters) - Mining group Anglo American (AAL.L) will appoint John Parker as its new chairman on Friday replacing Mark Moody-Stuart who will retire after seven years at the helm, the Daily Telegraph reported without citing sources.

The paper said "it had learned" Anglo American, South Africa's biggest mining player, is due to make the appointment public in statement to the stock exchange.

A spokesman for Anglo American declined comment on the report.

It said John Parker, 67, one of Britain's most respected industrialists, will take over the chairmanship on Aug. 1.

The Telegraph and the Financial Times, which also reported the story, said Parker had been chosen to reassure shareholders that the miner had a strong independent future after its rejection of a 41 billion pound ($65.87 billion) merger last month with rival Xstrata (XTA.L).

The Telegraph, citing unnamed analysts, said Parker would most likely have to step down as chairman of Mondi, the paper and packaging group that was previously part of Anglo and that which was demerged two years ago.

Parker already chairs National Grid Plc (NG.L). The Telegraph said his appointment will make him one of a small number of businessmen to hold two FTSE 100 chairmanships simultaneously. (Reporting by Stefano Ambrogi; Editing by Marguerita Choy)