Andrew Forrest

Dr Andrew Forrest AO is a global business and philanthropic leader committed to ending fossil fuel use, accelerating green energy, and addressing urgent global challenges, including climate change, humanitarian crises, modern slavery, ocean degradation, plastic pollution, and the safe governance of emerging technologies. He is the founder and Executive Chairman of Fortescue, Australia’s most successful company for shareholder returns and one of the world’s leading miners and infrastructure operators. With a market capitalisation of $45 billion, Fortescue is consistently ranked among the country’s largest taxpayers. Fortescue has built the world’s lowest-cost, most efficient mining operations through a relentless focus on technology and innovation. It is on track to become the first heavy industry company in the world to eliminate fossil fuels from its operations and achieve Real Zero profitably within this decade. Dr Forrest also established Minderoo Foundation, Australia’s largest philanthropy, underpinned by a $9 billion endowment and a mission to improve lives globally. Its focus areas include climate and ocean health, plastic pollution and human health, the democratisation and safety of artificial intelligence, humanitarian relief in conflict zones including Ukraine and the Middle East, the defence of human rights, and gender equality. Over two decades, Minderoo has invested in world-leading research, programs, and advocacy initiatives that deliver practical, lasting change – including lifesaving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. Through Tattarang, Australia’s largest private investment group, Dr Forrest invests in sectors critical to national resilience and prosperity. These include renewable energy, battery metals, high-performance shipbuilding, iconic Australian brands, medical technology, agri-food, and property. The group is guided by the principle: using capital only as a force for good. Dr Forrest holds a PhD in Marine Ecology and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to philanthropy, mining, employment, and sustainable foreign investment. Dr Forrest is a board member of Conservation International and Harvard’s Salata Institute Advisory Board (SIAB). He is a member of the Giving Pledge and in 2025 was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the world.