Fortescue fires top executive after sexual harassment and bullying claims substantiated after law firm probe

Fortescue has sacked one of its top executives after a legal investigation substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.

A spokeswoman for the Andrew Forrest-led iron ore giant said one of its senior employees, who cannot be named by The West Australian for legal reasons, was fired following an investigation by law firm MinterEllison.

“The investigation found conduct that breached Fortescue’s policies, as well as our values,” the spokeswoman said.

“The board sub-committee overseeing the matter therefore ceased the individual’s contract.

“Sexual harassment, bullying, and other behaviour that makes people feel unsafe has no place at Fortescue. Everyone, regardless of their role or seniority, is expected to meet the standards set by our values.”

The investigation was launched in July following complaints made one of the executive’s colleagues.

Fortescue initially allowed the executive to continue working even after the MinterEllison investigation began.

Fortescue’s head of growth and energy, Gus Pichot, in August defended the company’s decision not to suspend the executive, saying he was “quite confident we’re following the proper process”.

“We have taken extensive external legal and governance advice to make the decision we’re making,” Mr Pichot said at the time.

But less than a week after those comments, Fortescue bowed to public pressure and reversed its decision by suspending the executive while the investigation played out.

Separately, Fortescue is facing a class action lawsuit centred on sexual harassment at the company’s Pilbara iron ore mines.

The class action was filed by Brisbane-based law firm JGA Saddler in June.

JGA said thousands of women could be eligible to join the class action, which alleges gender-based harassment, systemic discrimination, and a toxic workplace culture at Fortescue mine sites.

In the wake of the JGA lawsuit, Mr Forrest said in an email to staff that “anyone who thinks this behaviour has a place at Fortescue is in the wrong company.”

“Losing your job is the beginning of the consequences, not the end,” he said.

“Where conduct amounts to criminal behaviour, we will support our people and expect the law to take its course.

“We first learned the detail of these allegations through the media. They are serious. They are disturbing. They concern behaviour that has no place at Fortescue.”

Fortescue in recent years has been accused of fostering a toxic culture for women.

These assertions peaked in August 2023 when chief executive Fiona Hick and chief financial officer Christine Morris resigned within days of each other after short stints at the company.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.