Fortescue evolves longstanding CEO for a Day program

Participants of Fortescue’s longstanding CEO for a Day program will now have the chance to shadow the Executive team for three months, with the program being expanded to encompass the full quarter.

Established in 2013, the program offers participants the opportunity to engage with the leadership team, learn strategic decision-making and make a lasting impact on the business. 

Lee Sweeney, a proud Maori and Torres Strait Islander man with roots from the North Island of Aotearoa in New Zealand and North Queensland, is Fortescue’s latest program participant. 

Having joined the Company in 2020, Lee is part of Fortescue’s Aboriginal Business Development team, focused on building the capability and capacity of First Nations people and businesses through Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program. 

Since the program was established in 2011, A$6.5 billion in contracts and subcontracts have been awarded to over 200 First Nations businesses. 

“Prior to joining Fortescue, I pursued university studies as a mature-aged student, with a strong passion to make a difference in the community. This was driven by my early career days working in the justice system with at-risk youth in Perth and the Pilbara, where I spent six years living and working in Port Hedland,” Lee said. 

Over the course of the next few months, Lee will work closely with Fortescue’s Executive team to support key business engagements including the release of its Half Year Results, gaining insights into the Company’s highest levels of operation. 

When reflecting on which Fortescue Value he embodies the most, Lee chose Humility. 

“It’s not everyone’s first pick, but I think it’s an important one to remember when you’re in the mining business,” Lee said.

“Humility helps people to grow and learn and helps you to be open to new perspectives. I’ve learnt more from listening than talking.”