Forrest’s comments on Hick ‘inappropriate’
Public comments by Andrew Forrest about why chief executive Fiona Hick and chief financial officer Christine Morris left Fortescue Metals Group were “disappointing” and showed a lack of respect in the workplace, two female business leaders say.
The billionaire Fortescue founder explained Ms Hick’s departure from the company after just six months in the top job as her choice to either “get on the bus or get off the bus” regarding his plan to reinvent the company as a renewable energy powerhouse. Of Ms Morris, he said she was lucky to have been appointed CFO.
Fiona Hick with Andrew Forrest in November 2022 when she was announced as Fortescue Metals chief executive. Tony McDonough
Fortescue chief financial officer Christine Morris left her position barely three days later and just two months after being appointed, part of an executive exodus from the group that continued on Tuesday.
“It’s really disappointing to have lost two very senior women in corporate Australia,” Marie Festa, CEO of female leadership advocacy group Chief Executive Women told The Australian Financial Review in relation to Ms Hick and Ms Morris.
Of Mr Forrest’s explanation, she said: “It’s not appropriate to make comments like that about anyone who leaves an organisation, regardless of why they left. It’s extremely disappointing to have comments like that aired in public.”
On August 28, Fortescue described Ms Hick’s departure as “both friendly and mutual”. Two days later, speaking on the sidelines of an event in Perth, Mr Forrest said Fortescue had “a galloping herd of people” who want the company go green “so if you want to step outside that, you’re given a choice”.
“So all I’d say is that Fiona was given a choice, and she made her own decision,” he said. “We’re not going to let a single person’s disagreement with the direction of this company affect it. You either get on the bus, or get off the bus.” Ms Hick declined to comment.
On September 1, Mr Forrest was quoted as saying Ms Morris was “lucky” and only “scraped” into the role.
Rhonda Brighton-Hall, founder and chief executive of HR consultancy Mwah and a former executive general manager of organisational development at Commonwealth Bank, said public comments such as those by Mr Forrest were rarely helpful.
”Why throw rocks at something already floating down the river away from you?” she said. “It’s cathartic for sure, but it doesn’t really help you, or your remaining team or business, move forward.”
When business relationships break, keeping a cool head and showing maturity can help to keep everyone in good shape, she said.
“Moderation and respect should be foundational to most relationships, but sadly, they’re often not in business. If they were, non-disclosure agreements would be much rarer,” Ms Brighton-Hall said.
“Once you see a great culture with genuine respect, that lasts long after the work relationship is complete.”
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