Elizabeth Gaines commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Fortescue Metals Group in February 2018.

A highly experienced business leader with extensive international experience as a Chief Executive Officer and group executive, Elizabeth has a proven track record in financial and operational leadership across a number of industries, including resources, construction and infrastructure, financial services and travel and hospitality.

After joining Fortescue as a Non-Executive Director in February 2013, Elizabeth was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director in February 2017. She is a former Chief Executive Officer of Helloworld Limited and Heytesbury Pty Limited and has also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at Stella Group and Entertainment Rights Plc.

Elizabeth was ranked second on the 2019 Fortune Magazine Businessperson of the Year list, and in 2020 the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia awarded her the ‘Women in Resources Champion’ at their annual Women in Resources Awards.

She has significant exposure to the impact of the growth in Asian economies, particularly China, on the Australian business environment and economy as well as a deep understanding of all aspects of financial and commercial management at a senior executive level in both listed and private companies.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters of Applied Finance and, in 2019, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce by Curtin University. She is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women.