Allan Myers AC, KC appointed incoming Chair of Minderoo Foundation

17 Oct 2024 – Mr Myers replaces Chair Dr Andrew Forrest AO and Co-chair Nicola Forrest AO who will both step aside.

Minderoo Foundation has today announced the appointment of respected Australian barrister and philanthropist Allan Myers AC, KC, as incoming Chair.

Mr Myers replaces Chair Dr Andrew Forrest AO and Co-chair Nicola Forrest AO who will both step aside but continue serving as non-executive directors of Minderoo Foundation.

Andrew and Nicola founded Minderoo Foundation in 2001 and continue to drive its philanthropic mission today.

In a joint statement, the Forrests said that with Minderoo now well established as one of Asia-Pac’s leading philanthropies it was an appropriate time to step aside from their respective chair duties.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what has been achieved over the past 23 years, and with Minderoo’s 2030 Strategy now finalised and being implemented, it is the right time for change on the Board,” the Forrests said.

“Under Allan’s stewardship as the Independent Chair we know Minderoo will continue delivering on its mission to forge a fair future by challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change.”

Mr Myers has served on the Minderoo Board since 2014 and said he takes up the position of Chair at an exciting time in the Foundation’s history.

“I am honoured to serve Minderoo Foundation as Chair and to work with CEO John Hartman and the Executive Leadership Team,” Mr Myers said. “The unprecedented generosity, vision and optimism of Andrew and Nicola Forrest is embodied in the Minderoo Foundation. I will do my best as Chair to help realise their aspirations for the enduring benefit of Australia and the wider world.”

Dr Forrest said the critical work of the Minderoo Foundation – originally founded as The Australian Children’s Trust – would continue to drive positive change.

“I have an unshakeable passion for steering the world away from a potentially catastrophic future, and will continue to steer Minderoo, Tattarang and Fortescue in the one direction – to ensure we leave our planet liveable for future generations,” Dr Forrest said.

“Fortescue’s work to unapologetically pursue Real Zero by 2030 both profitably and globally will maintain its preeminent position as the lowest cost iron ore producer in the world, and Australia’s most successful company.

“Scientists and businesses worldwide have endorsed the reality that Real Zero 2040 – the cessation of the use of all fossil fuels by 2040 is the only way that we will avoid a climate emergency.

“This is a significant responsibility, and I’ve elected to step aside as Chair of the Minderoo Foundation, so I may focus on driving the global adoption of Real Zero across Fortescue and global industry. I remain honoured to continue to serve the Minderoo Board as a non-executive director.”

Nicola Forrest said right now, children, families, communities and our natural ecosystems are being challenged like never before and these threats require our collective focus.

“Guided by its new strategy, Minderoo and its partners are in an even stronger position to face up to these challenges together, and stepping aside is a confidence-call in our future trajectory and the impact we will make,” Nicola said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Allan, our Board and the management teams in pursuit of a fair future.”

In addition to his 10 years of service on the Minderoo Board, Mr Myers is a Governor of the Ian Potter Foundation and Chair of The Ramsay Centre, having replaced the Hon John Howard OM AC in September 2024.

“Allan’s governance and sector expertise will be invaluable to Minderoo as it pursues its ambitious goals,” Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman said. “His commitment to Minderoo’s values and passion for driving a positive impact make him an ideal leader for Minderoo as we embark on our new 2030 Strategy.”

Background on Allan Myers AC, KC

Allan Myers AC, KC, previously the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, is one of His Majesty’s Counsel in all States and Territories of Australia and New Zealand, and a barrister in England and Papua New Guinea.

He is the former Chair of the National Gallery of Victoria and of the National Gallery of Australia Council and the founding Chair of public policy think tank the Grattan Institute.

Mr Myers has been the Chair and a director of many companies in Australia and other parts of the world including listed public companies in Australia, Poland and Switzerland.

He was appointed the first Fellow of the University of Melbourne in 2015, and in 2017 became its Chancellor, serving in that role until December 2022. He is also an honorary Doctor of Laws at the University of Melbourne and a Doctor of the University of the Australian Catholic University.

Mr Myers was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 for service to philanthropy and business achievements. He became an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007, and in 2016 a Companion of the Order of Australia.

He was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia for “eminent service to the community through philanthropic leadership in support of major visual arts, higher education, medical research and not-for-profit organisations, to law, and to professional learning programs.”