Fortescue Metals executive chairman Andrew Forrest says he has more important appointments to make than finding someone to run the iron ore division that delivers 100 per cent of the company’s earnings.

Speaking at Elizabeth Gaines’ final public appearance as chief executive of Fortescue, Dr Forrest likened Ms Gaines to a mix of Queen Boudicca and Mother Teresa and said she would thrive in her new role as Fortescue’s “global ambassador”.