Early Life
John Andrew Henry Forrest AO, commonly known as “Twiggy,” was born on November 18, 1961, in Perth, Western Australia. He is the youngest of three children of Judith (née Fry) and Donald Forrest. Forrest’s family has deep roots in the Pilbara region, particularly through Minderoo Station, established in 1878 by his great-grandfather, David. The Forrest family managed this property for generations until it was sold in 1998 due to drought and financial difficulties, only to be repurchased by Andrew in 2009.
Forrest’s education began at Onslow Primary School and continued through the School of the Air before he moved to Perth to attend Christ Church Grammar School and Hale School. As a child, he struggled with a stutter, which led him to seek mentorship from Ian Black and Scotty Black, an Aboriginal elder. Forrest later attended the University of Western Australia, where he majored in economics and politics.
Career Beginnings
After graduating, Forrest embarked on a career as a stockbroker at Kirke Securities and Jacksons. He soon recognized a rising demand for stainless steel, which prompted him to shift his focus to mining, founding Anaconda Nickel in 1993. Despite initial success, he was ousted as CEO in 2001 following a near collapse of the company, which was subsequently renamed Minara Resources after being acquired by Glencore.
Fortescue Metals Group
In April 2003, Forrest took control of Allied Mining and Processing, renaming it Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). Under his leadership, FMG transformed into a global iron ore powerhouse, achieving its first shipment to China in May 2008. By 2014, the company expanded its capacity to 155 million tonnes per annum, holding vast iron ore tenements in the Pilbara region.
Despite his successes, Forrest faced controversy, including accusations of avoiding tax and harming Indigenous cultural sites through his mining operations. Nonetheless, he has remained a significant player in the industry, receiving a $2.4 billion dividend from FMG’s record profit in 2021.
Tattarang and Diverse Ventures
Forrest is also the founder and chairman of Tattarang, the family holding company that invests in various sectors, including agri-food, energy, health technology, and property. The company encompasses several divisions, such as Squadron Energy, Harvest Road, and Wyloo Metals.
Philanthropic Efforts
In 2013, Andrew and his wife, Nicola, became the first Australian billionaires to pledge the majority of their wealth to charity. Their philanthropic efforts focus on education, Indigenous rights, and modern slavery through initiatives like the Minderoo Foundation and the Walk Free Foundation, which Forrest established to combat human trafficking and slavery.
Recognition and Awards
For his contributions to business and philanthropy, Forrest has received numerous accolades, including the Australian Centenary Medal and the Western Australian of the Year Award in 2017. In 2019, he was awarded a PhD in Marine Science by the University of Western Australia, reflecting his commitment to ocean health.
Personal Life
Andrew Forrest is a Christian and has four children, including Sophia. After 31 years of marriage, he and Nicola announced their separation in July 2023. Beyond business, Forrest is known for his love of the ocean; he owns the superyacht Pangaea, which has been converted into a research vessel for ocean conservation.
Legacy and Impact
Forrest’s legacy extends beyond his business achievements. He is recognized as a leading philanthropist and advocate for social justice, working to empower those affected by poverty and exploitation. His initiatives, including GenerationOne and the Australian Employment Covenant, aim to create sustainable solutions for Indigenous Australians and other marginalized communities.
With a substantial fortune and a commitment to social impact, Andrew Forrest continues to influence both the mining industry and philanthropic landscape in Australia and beyond.
