Andrew Forrest
Founder & Executive Chairman, Fortescue Ltd
Andrew Forrest, widely known as 'Twiggy', is an Australian businessman and philanthropist, founder and executive chairman of the mining company Fortescue. A former stockbroker, he founded Fortescue in 2003 and built it into one of the world's largest iron ore producers, and is a leading advocate for green energy and philanthropy through the Minderoo Foundation.
Fast facts
| Role | Founder & Executive Chairman |
|---|---|
| Company | Fortescue Ltd |
| Sector | Mining / green energy |
| Headquarters | WA |
| In role since | 2003 |
| Education | University of Western Australia; later earned a PhD in marine ecology |
| Other roles | Founder of Minderoo Foundation (philanthropy) and Tattarang (private investment group); Dr Andrew Forrest AO |
Background
Former stockbroker; founded Fortescue in 2003 (from Allied Mining and Processing), building it into one of the world's largest iron ore producers with its own rail and port infrastructure in the Pilbara
Career timeline
- 2003Took control of Allied Mining and Processing and renamed it Fortescue Metals Group
- 2008Fortescue made its first iron ore shipment to China
- 2021Pledged to eliminate most carbon emissions from Fortescue's operations by 2030 and expanded into green energy
Notable
- Worked as a stockbroker in Perth before entering the mining industry
- Founded Fortescue in 2003, building it from an exploration company into one of the world's largest iron ore producers
- Holds a PhD in marine ecology
- Co-founded the Minderoo Foundation, a major philanthropic organisation, with his wife Nicola
- A prominent advocate for green hydrogen and decarbonisation of heavy industry
Frequently asked questions
What is Andrew Forrest known for?
He founded Fortescue, one of the world's largest iron ore producers, and is a prominent green-energy advocate and philanthropist.
When did Andrew Forrest found Fortescue?
He founded Fortescue in 2003, taking over and renaming Allied Mining and Processing.
What is the Minderoo Foundation?
It is the philanthropic foundation Andrew Forrest co-founded with his wife Nicola, active across causes including climate change and social equity.
Public profiles
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Forrest
- https://www.fortescue.com/en/about-fortescue/board-and-leadership-team
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Forrest
- https://www.fortescue.com/en/articles/statement-from-fortescue-executive-chairman-and-founder-dr-andrew-forrest-ao
- https://www.fortescue.com/en/about-fortescue/our-story
- https://www.forbes.com/profile/andrew-forrest/
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.