Fiona Hick: A Trailblazer in Mining and Energy Leadership

Fiona Hick is a prominent Australian executive with a remarkable career that spans over two decades in the mining and energy sectors. As a visionary leader, Hick has held several influential positions in some of Australia’s most prominent companies, making significant contributions to both industries. From serving as the CEO of Fortescue Metals Group to holding high-level executive roles at Woodside Energy, Hick’s career reflects her dedication to transforming and improving the mining and energy sectors. This article explores Fiona Hick’s professional journey, achievements, and personal life, shedding light on her significant impact on the industries she has worked in.

Early Life and Education

Fiona Hick’s journey in the resources sector began after completing her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Materials Engineering and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Studies. With a strong academic foundation, Hick entered the workforce in the mid-1990s, a time when the energy and mining industries were evolving rapidly.

Her educational background provided her with the technical expertise necessary to excel in the demanding fields of mining and energy, but it was her leadership skills and forward-thinking approach that truly set her apart.

A Long-Standing Career in the Mining and Energy Sectors

Starting at Woodside Energy

Fiona Hick’s career in the resources sector took off with Woodside Energy, one of Australia’s leading oil and gas companies. She joined the company in the late 1990s, and over the years, she climbed the ranks, proving her mettle in various roles. Her work at Woodside encompassed a range of responsibilities, from engineering and project management to overseeing the company’s operations and sustainability initiatives.

In 2016, she was appointed as the Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) at Woodside. During this time, Hick’s leadership led to significant improvements in safety performance, earning Woodside several accolades for its commitment to safety and environmental standards.

Her role expanded further in 2019 when she was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations at Woodside Energy. In this capacity, she oversaw the maintenance, production, and support of Woodside’s producing facilities and business units, ensuring that operational activities ran smoothly while adhering to high safety and environmental standards.

Transition to Fortescue Metals Group

In early 2023, Fiona Hick made a significant career move when she was appointed CEO of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore. This appointment marked a pivotal point in her career, as she became one of the few women to hold such a high-ranking role in a male-dominated industry.

However, after only eight months in the role, Hick stepped down from her position at FMG. Her tenure was short-lived, but her leadership left a lasting impact on the company and its operations. Despite this, Hick’s time at FMG was marked by a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and strengthening the company’s presence in the global mining sector.

Leadership in Industry Advocacy

Beyond her executive roles, Fiona Hick has also been a vocal advocate for improving the workplace culture in the resources sector, particularly in addressing issues such as sexual harassment and bullying. In 2021, Hick made history by becoming the first female president of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CMEWA), an influential industry body. During her two-year tenure, she worked on initiatives aimed at improving gender equality and fostering a more inclusive environment within the mining and energy industries.

Her leadership at CMEWA earned her the 2019 Outstanding Woman in Resources Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the industry and her efforts to drive positive change. Hick’s commitment to creating a more equitable and transparent work environment has made her a respected figure in both the mining and energy sectors.

Fiona Hick’s Board Roles and Current Endeavors

After stepping down as CEO of Fortescue Metals Group, Fiona Hick shifted her focus to board positions, continuing to lend her expertise to some of Australia’s most well-known organizations. In 2024, she was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Evolution Mining, an Australian gold mining company.

In addition to her role at Evolution Mining, Hick also serves as a board member at Incitec Pivot Limited, a leading Australian chemical manufacturer, and Infrastructure WA, a government agency focused on long-term infrastructure planning and development. Her experience across various sectors, including manufacturing and infrastructure, allows her to contribute to strategic decision-making and governance at these organizations.

A Focus on Sustainability and ESG

Throughout her career, Fiona Hick has championed sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Her leadership at Woodside Energy saw the integration of robust ESG practices into the company’s operations, and she continues to advocate for responsible resource management at Evolution Mining and other boards she serves on.

Personal Life: Fiona Hick’s Family and Background

Fiona Hick’s Husband

Fiona Hick is married to Andrew Hick, a former executive at Woodside Energy who is currently the managing director of Strike Energy Ltd., a leading oil and gas exploration company. The couple has supported each other’s careers in the resources sector, with Andrew’s work also focusing on sustainability and energy production.

Fiona Hick’s Age

As of May 2025, Fiona Hick will turn 51 years old. Despite her relatively young age, Hick has already achieved considerable success in her career, establishing herself as one of the most influential women in the Australian mining and energy industries.

Awards and Recognition

Fiona Hick’s outstanding contributions to the mining and energy sectors have been recognized with numerous awards. In addition to the 2019 Outstanding Woman in Resources Award, she was honored with the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ 2017 Director Pipeline Program Award. Hick’s efforts to promote safety, environmental sustainability, and gender equality have earned her accolades and a reputation as a trailblazer in her field.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership

Fiona Hick’s career is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and leadership in shaping the future of the mining and energy industries. With a track record of significant achievements, Hick has demonstrated that her impact on these sectors extends beyond her executive roles. From her pioneering work at Woodside Energy to her leadership at Fortescue Metals Group and her ongoing contributions to various boards, Fiona Hick has proven herself as one of the leading figures in Australia’s resources sector.

Her focus on sustainability, people, and culture, coupled with her ability to navigate complex challenges, ensures that her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

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