Fortescue green energy chief executive Mark Hutchinson apologises to staff for same-sex stance

Andrew Forrest has leapt to the defence of Fortescue’s gay employees, forcing the company’s green energy boss — an evangelical Christian — to apologise.

Mr Forrest and Fortescue energy chief executive Mark Hutchinson each sent an email to all Fortescue staff on Sunday night, which came amid the fallout of a media report last Wednesday revealing that Mr Hutchinson is a leader of an English Christian organisation called Alpha International.

Alpha International wants a “re-evangelisation of the nations” and strongly opposes same-sex marriage.

Mr Hutchinson on Thursday sent an email to Fortescue staff, broadly stating he supports diversity — but stopped short of referencing anything related to gender identity or sexual orientation.

“Our entire global workforce come from different faiths, religions and backgrounds — and what I love is our diversity in all of its forms,” the Thursday email reads.

But Mr Forrest’s Sunday email was more definitive.

“I would like to reassure you all on behalf of our Board, that we are resolutely committed to the cause of equal rights. We expect and require the same of our leadership,” Mr Forrest stated.

“We uplift, empower, and celebrate every employee and protect each of them from all kinds of discrimination; this categorically includes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, including the freedom, to choose your partner.

“We deeply value Fortescue’s LGBTQIA+ community. At a personal level, I stand with you.”

Mr Hutchinson on Sunday night issued his own email to “clarify” his previous comments.

“After speaking with some of you over the past few days, I am aware that by failing to clarify my views on same sex relationships in my comments last week that I have let you down,” his email reads.

“This was certainly not my intention, and I apologise unreservedly. I wish to state clearly that I am supportive of everyone in a same-sex marriage and same-sex relationships and value the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I believe that all of us are equal and I accept and support every member of our team. I want everyone to have the freedom to be who they are.”

Mr Hutchinson joined Fortescue in July 2022 and is currently the boss of Fortescue’s green energy arm.

He was previously the president of General Electric’s European division. Mr Hutchinson and his spouse became directors of Alpha International last year.

Fortescue’s other chief executive, Dino Otranto, looks after the company’s money-making iron ore business.

Mr Forrest is the Fortescue executive chairman who oversees the two CEOs.

One of Mr Forrest’s children — Sophia — married their partner Zara Zoe in August at the family’s Minderoo station.