Former Chief Minister Michael Gunner resigns from Fortescue less than six months after promotion to top job

Former NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced his sudden exit from Australian billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s renewable energy company.

Former Chief Minister Michael Gunner has left Australian billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s renewable energy company fewer than six months after being promoted to head up the company’s national operations.

Mr Gunner joined Fortescue Future Industries in November 2022 to lead a new Northern Australia team, before moving into an Australia West Director role in April, overseeing work across Western Australia, South Australia and the NT.

In August last year he was promoted again to Australian director.

But on Thursday he announced his resignation from the company, saying that it was “too difficult” to manage the travel demands of the job with his young family.

Michael Gunner said it was “too difficult” to spend time away from Darwin and his family. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

“Some big personal news. I have made the decision to leave Fortescue,” Mr Gunner said on Facebook.

“Working for Andrew and Fortescue was an incredible opportunity – a dynamic company with a bold green energy vision.

“I will always be a friend of the Fortescue family and an advocate for Fortescue and the path they are forging.

“After taking on the Australian Director role in August it meant more travel away from Darwin and the family, which I found too difficult.

“I’m taking a bit of time before deciding with the family what I do next and am now reporting for lunch box duty.”

A Fortescue spokesman said: “We respect Michael’s decision, and his personal reasons for making it, and wish him and his family well.”