Early Life
John Andrew Henry Forrest, known as Andrew or "Twiggy," was born on November 18, 1961, in Perth, Western Australia. He grew up in the Pilbara region, where his family had a long history in the cattle industry. He attended various schools, including Onslow Primary School, School of the Air, Christ Church Grammar School, and Hale School. Forrest later studied economics and politics at the University of Western Australia.
Rise to Success
Forrest began his career in the finance industry. However, his ambition led him to the mining sector. In 1993, he founded Anaconda Nickel, though he was later ousted from the company. His major breakthrough came in 2003 when he acquired Allied Mining and Processing, renaming it Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). Under Forrest's leadership, FMG became a major player in the iron ore industry. FMG's success was driven by the discovery and development of significant iron ore deposits in the Pilbara region.
Key Business Strategies
Fortescue Metals Group's (FMG) success is rooted in several strategic decisions. Forrest focused on developing infrastructure to support mining operations, including rail lines and port facilities. He secured long-term sales contracts to ensure a market for the iron ore. Forrest also emphasized innovation and technological advancements within the company, driving down costs and improving efficiency. Diversification into green energy through Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) is another key strategy.
Philanthropy
Andrew and Nicola Forrest are recognized for their significant philanthropic efforts. They established the Minderoo Foundation in 2001, committing to donate a substantial portion of their wealth to charitable causes. Their philanthropic focus includes ocean health, disaster resilience, plastic waste reduction, gender equality, and ending modern slavery. In 2023, they committed an additional $5 billion to Minderoo Foundation, making it one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Australia. Forrest has also been a strong advocate for Indigenous Australians and education.