Andrew Forrest is an Australian businessman and philanthropist. He is the former CEO of Fortescue Metals Group, a global leader in mining and exploration. Known for his leadership and entrepreneurial skills, he has made significant contributions to the growth of the company.
Andrew Forrest, also known as “Twiggy” Forrest, is an Australian mining magnate, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded and served as the CEO of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), one of the world’s largest iron ore producers.

Forrest has been instrumental in transforming Australia’s mining industry and has used his fortune to support numerous philanthropic endeavors. In addition, Forrest oversees a family office, which manages his investments and charitable ventures.
Table of Contents
Biography
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | John Andrew Henry Forrest |
Nickname | Twiggy Forrest |
Date of Birth | November 18, 1961 |
Place of Birth | Perth, Western Australia |
Age | 63 years old (as of 2024) |
Height | Approximately 5’11” (180 cm) |
Nationality | Australian |
Net Worth | Estimated at $20 billion (as of 2024) |
Primary Source of Wealth | Founder of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), investments in renewable energy, aquaculture, and technology |
Company | Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Minderoo Family Office |
Philanthropy | Minderoo Foundation (focused on education, health, environment, and social equality) |
Wife | Nicola Forrest |
Children | Three children |
Family Office | Minderoo Family Office, managing private investments and philanthropic efforts |
Primary Residence | Western Australia, with other luxury properties worldwide |
Business Focus | Iron ore mining, renewable energy (green hydrogen), aquaculture, early-stage technologies |
Notable Achievements | Transforming Fortescue Metals Group into one of the world’s largest iron ore producers |
Lifestyle | Known for his private lifestyle and commitment to philanthropy |
Early Life and Education:
Andrew Forrest, byname Twiggy Forrest (born November 18, 1961, Perth, Western Australia), was an Australian businessman and mining magnate who became one of the country’s wealthiest individuals.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Andrew Forrest’s net worth is $20 billion. He is one of the richest people in Australia, with most of his wealth coming from his shares in Fortescue Metals Group and several investments in agriculture, energy, and technology.

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG)
Andrew Forrest founded Fortescue Metals Group in 2003, and, under his purview, the firm quickly rose to become a global giant in the iron ore market on rising Chinese demand for Australian iron ore. His success made him one of Australia’s richest people. Today Hampton, which has more than $5 billion under management, is involved with both mining and renewable energy.
Philanthropy and Family Office
Forrest set up his charity, the Minderoo Foundation, which is one of Australia’ s largest privately owned philanthropic funds. It has received billions of dollars in donations from Forrest, particularly for charitable causes such as education, health research and delivery, conservation and equality of opportunity.
The Minderoo Family Office manages all the foundation business but also manages Forrest’s financial interests. That includes investments in green technology, fish farms producing organic protein crops to feed a booming world population, and R&D.
Personal Life and Family
Andrew Forrest is married to Nicola Forrest, who too actively participates in the family’s philanthropic works and the couple has three children. They both share a strong dedication to giving back to society through the Minderoo Foundation.

Forrest is a private person and is rarely seen in public, despite his high profile. He owns a number of homes, including an estate in Western Australia.
Age and height
Age: 63 years old (as of 2024)
Height: Approximately 5’11” (180 cm)
Iron Ore Mining
The source of Andrew Forrest’s wealth is his 35% share in the Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), a company that mines iron ore. He has also spread his investments through the Minderoo Family Office.

FAQs
What exactly is the Minderoo Foundation?
The Minderoo Foundation is Andrew Forrest’s philanthropic organization. It has a mission to work on “ending disparity, commercializing breakthroughs, modern slavery and ensuring our democracy.”.