Abu Dhabi investment group Oryx Global Partners signs up Fortescue’s Elizabeth Gaines, BHP alumni Laura Tyler

Former Fortescue chief executive Liz Gaines has signed on as an adviser to an Abu Dhabi-based investment group billing itself as a player in the global energy transition. Oryx Global Partners says it has recruited Ms Gaines to provide “strategic advice” on investment strategy, de-carbonisation, international trade and energy changes. Ms Gaines finished as Fortescue chief executive in September 2022 as the iron ore miner was part way into its high-cost foray into green energy and processing. She stayed on as a Fortescue director and the company’s green ambassador. On the back of a big recruiting push last year, Oryx has also signed-up former BHP executive Laura Tyler as a partner and as a member of a team looking for investments in the minerals value chain. In a statement unveiling the appointments, Oryx managing partner Paul Schaffer said Ms Gaines and Ms Tyler “were two of the most accomplished executives” in the mining sector. Mr Schaffer said Ms Gaines’ “proven commercial nous” and immense experience added value to the Oryx team, as did Ms Tyler’s operational and technical expertise. Ms Gaines said private capital was playing an an “increasingly important role in the (energy) transition, ensuring the supply of strategic minerals in a responsible and sustainable way”. “I am excited to bring my experience to support Oryx in facilitating this sustainable future,” Ms Gaines said.