Fortescue has announced that mining boss Dino Otranto will take on a broader leadership role after the departure of green energy CEO Mark Hutchinson and COO Shelley Robertson.
Fortescue has announced that mining boss Dino Otranto will take on a broader leadership role after the departure of green energy chief executive Mark Hutchinson and chief operating officer Shelley Robertson.
Mr Hutchinson’s exit comes after three years with Fortescue and follows a dramatic scaling back of its green energy ambitions.
The company’s ambitious plan to roll out multiple hydrogen projects around the globe has come to very little, leaving him almost without a job.
Mr Otranto, who previously focused on the group’s core iron ore mining operations, will become chief executive, metals and operations.
His expanded role will include operational responsibility for global electrification and decarbonisation, including in the mining business, and production of hydrogen products.
The company has promoted Agustin (Gus) Pichot to a new role as chief executive of growth and energy, effective 1 July.
He will be responsible for the company’s green energy development and growth projects.
He joined Fortescue in 2018 as President Latin America, and most recently was responsible for reviewing and streamlining the group’s global project portfolio.
The two men will report to Fortescue’s board through executive chairman Andrew Forrest.
Fortescue said Mr Hutchinson will continue to support Fortescue in a global marketing capacity for the next year, serving as Senior Adviser to the Board.
It said Ms Robertson is retiring from her executive role to pursue non-executive director opportunities.
Mr Otranto said the new leadership “cements our One Fortescue commitment to operate as an aligned team driving innovation, delivering value, and accelerating our transition to a successful and profitable green future”.
The 50-year old Mr Pichot was more effusive in his statement.
“Fortescue has a clear and resolute vision to eliminate emissions and decarbonise profitably,” he said.
“In this unstable market where most others are wavering, the world is replete with opportunities.
“We are seizing on this instability to grow and harness new innovations emerging in green metals, energy and technology.”
Mr Pichot is a former captain of Argentina’s rugby team and was the founder of Pegsa Group, described as one of Latin America’s largest media production companies for sports and entertainment.
