The 2018 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni Social Impact Award has been awarded to Andrew Forrest, Chairman of Minderoo Foundation. The honour recognises Forrest’s innovative, significant and lasting societal impact in communities globally, in addition to his outstanding success in business. 

The award is peer-selected by a group of EOY alumni known as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year(TM) Global Alumni Council. The 2018 Council includes members from Canada, USA, Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Bryan Pearce, EY Global Leader - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year(TM), says the award recognises Andrew’s legacy through his philanthropic works. "Over many years, Andrew has demonstrated a genuine commitment to alleviating the plight of millions of the world's most vulnerable people," he said.

Globally renowned for founding and building Fortescue Metals Group within one of the most protected and exclusive industries in the world, in just 15 years, Forrest has led the company - first as CEO and now as Chairman - to become the fourth-largest iron ore miner in the world. The company invested more than US$22bn in the Australian resources sector and through rapid repayment of corporate debt, Forrest is still the major shareholder.

The Minderoo Foundation was founded by Forrest and his wife, Nicola, in 2001. Since then it has supported more than 250 initiatives in Australia and internationally in fields including ending modern slavery and indigenous disadvantage, eliminating cancer, responding to disasters, advancing cutting-edge research, studying and implementing early childhood development practices in communities, and supporting the environment and the arts.

In 2017, the Forrests donated A$400m of their personal wealth - the largest ever donation by a living Australian. The significant philanthropic donation is consistent with the Forrests' obligations to The Giving Pledge, where they pledged to give away their personal wealth to philanthropic causes in their lifetime. The Forrests were the first Australian signatories to this global pledge.

Andrew Forrest said "I am honored to receive this recognition and accept it on behalf of all of the causes Minderoo champions. Entrepreneurship and philanthropy are incredibly compatible. Both require determination, innovation and a desire to create lasting and positive change. It is important each of us does everything we can to improve our communities - whether it is through giving time, energy or capital. Individually, we can all be change agents and together we can make a lasting difference."

EY refers to the global organization of Ernst & Young Global Limited. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year(TM) is a global business awards program for entrepreneurs, encouraging entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizing the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. 

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