One of Australia’s most successful businesswomen and powerful CEOs, Elizabeth Gaines, has been presented an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce by Curtin University.
As the current CEO of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Ms Gaines is the first woman to head a major Australian mining company, rising through the ranks from Non-Executive Director to take the top job in 2018.
Ms Gaines has forged a formidable career as a financial and operational business leader across diverse industries including mining and resources, construction and infrastructure, financial services, entertainment, and travel and hospitality.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was honoured to present Ms Gaines with an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce.
“Elizabeth has demonstrated extraordinary success across several sectors and is widely recognised for her commitment to transforming organisational culture, not just at FMG, but in her earlier managing roles at Heytesbury and Helloworld,” Professor Terry said.
“Her proven commitment to workplace diversity can be seen in her outstanding work in producing FMG’s Gender Equality Act report and in introducing concrete workplace initiatives including flexible hours, family-friendly policies and a specialised training program for female school leavers.
“Perhaps the best evidence of Elizabeth’s achievements is the deep respect and vote of confidence two giants of WA business, Janet Holmes a Court and Andrew Forrest have shown – both handpicking her to lead, grow and protect their family enterprises. She is a most worthy recipient of Curtin’s Honorary Doctorate of Commerce.”
In addition to her industry leadership roles, as an alumna Ms Gaines is also an active and valued member of Curtin’s Faculty of Business and Law Advisory Council.
Ms Gaines was presented with her Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from Curtin University at a graduation ceremony on February 10.
