Speakers

Ellie Coates is an experienced global leader in heavy industry, with deep expertise across strategy, technology and operations. Ellie began her career in copper and iron ore processing in the United States and Australia, developing a strong operational foundation. She has held a range of operational leadership roles, before transitioning into global executive leadership roles spanning technology, innovation, business development, and strategy, with a focus on advancing automation, digital transformation and decarbonisation.

Ellie joined Fortescue in 2022, driven by a passion to accelerate the energy transition. Ellie has held several senior leadership roles right across the Fortescue Group, including Director of Strategy and Innovation, where she led the development and delivery of the company’s innovation agenda across mobility and processing, and most recently CEO Fortescue Zero, driving industry leading technological advancements in electrification.

In her current role as Director AI and IT, Ellie is responsible for leading Fortescue’s technology strategy, focusing heavily on leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and next-generation IT systems to transform operations and accelerate  decarbonisation. She leads the integration of digital capabilities across the business, enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient operations while positioning Fortescue at the forefront of innovation in the global resources sector.