Fortescue Metals Group has announced that its CEO, Fiona Hick, will be leaving the company after being in the role for only six months.
The company said that Ms Hick made a joint decision with the Fortescue Board to leave the company, and that her departure has been both friendly and mutual.
Ms Hick said, “It’s been wonderful to work with the dedicated people at Fortescue. I am thankful for the opportunity and wish Fortescue well in its mission to decarbonise.”
Fortescue has decided to expedite the appointment of Dino Otranto as the new CEO of the company, taking over from Ms Hick who only entered into the role in February 2023.
Mr Otranto joined the company in 2021 as COO, Iron Ore. Mr Otranto is a highly qualified senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the global energy and resources industry, spanning various commodities and operations across the globe.
Prior to joining Fortescue, Mr Otranto held the role of COO at Vale Base Metals, leading the company’s North American, European and Asian nickel and copper businesses.
Mr Otranto said that he looks forward to continuing to work with the Fortescue team to strengthen its powerhouse iron ore business further, while racing to reach Real Zero by 2030 across its operations.
“Climate change is accelerating and we need to act faster than we ever thought to give our children a better future.”
Fortescue Metals Executive Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest, recognised Ms Hick’s contribution to Fortescue and welcomed Mr Otranto to his new role.
“We thank Ms Hick for her valuable efforts since joining Fortescue just under six months ago and wish her all the best with her future pursuits,” Mr Forrest said.
“We welcome Mr Otranto to the role of CEO where he will continue to lead and grow the Metals business, deliver our major project in Gabon and execute our decarbonisation plan.”
The company said that it is in a period of major growth, building emphasis on new technology and energy, as its metals business holds and builds on its industry leading position.
It also said that it will be increasing its lead to profitably develop green technology, energies and metals in what will be part of the world’s leading industries stepping beyond fossil fuels.
According to Fortescue, it is these goals that have driven its recent leadership decisions.
Fortescue updates
The exodus from Fortescue Metals continues, as two more of its executive team announce their departure from the company following Ms Hick’s announcement..
Fortescue’s Chief Financial Officer, Christine Morris, has stepped down after being in the role for as little as three months, with her resignation announced by the company on 31 August.
The departure of Fortescue’s Future Industries Director, Guy Debelle, was announced on 1 September, marking the third high profile departure from the company in the span of a week.
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