Andrew Forrest's Biography

Andrew Forrest, widely known as 'Twiggy,' is an influential Australian businessman, philanthropist, and founder of the Fortescue Metals Group. Born on November 18, 1961, Forrest has risen to become one of Australia's wealthiest individuals, thanks to his vision and leadership in transforming the iron ore industry. With a background in economics from the University of Western Australia, he began his career in stockbroking before venturing into mining. His first major breakthrough came in the early 2000s when he established Fortescue Metals Group, which rapidly grew to compete with industry giants and revolutionize resource extraction in Western Australia. Beyond business, Forrest and his wife Nicola are passionate philanthropists, having established the Minderoo Foundation to address global challenges such as modern slavery, ocean health, and Indigenous rights. Despite facing controversies over environmental and land issues, Forrest remains committed to sustainable development and social responsibility. His net worth has seen significant fluctuations, with recent estimates placing it at $19 billion. A man of diverse interests, Forrest enjoys yachting, horse breeding, and advocates for environmental sustainability. He believes, as he famously said, that 'true wealth is measured not by what you accumulate, but by what you give away.' Andrew Forrest continues to shape Australia’s business landscape and philanthropic sector, making a lasting impact both at home and worldwide.