From Saying Yes to Leading Change: Rowena Albones’ 25-Year Legacy in the Resources Industry
As one of AusIMM’s 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) Ambassadors, Rowena is a passionate advocate for change, inclusion, and leadership in the resources industry.
Her journey has taken her across the globe, from London to the East Coast of Australia, Brisbane, and back to her hometown of Perth. This international perspective has influenced her leadership style, reinforcing her commitment to opening doors for others and creating opportunities.
Rowena’s 25-year career at Rio Tinto is a testament to her broad experience and willingness to try new things. She has experience in project development, operations and corporate functions across multiple commodities such as iron ore, aluminium, and copper. Rowena’s desire to take on a challenge helped her push boundaries and exceed her own expectations.
Rowena’s story highlights the value of mentorship, building authentic relationships, and perseverance. Rowena’s believes leadership is about working together with teams and making a lasting, positive impact.
Watch Rowena's video below.
A Personal and Professional Overview: Who is Rowena?
Rowena’s successful career is marked by determination, curiosity, and a passion for problem-solving. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys the outdoors and the arts, particularly music. "I love getting outdoors, hiking, gardening and music," Rowena shared. "I also have a blue piano that I brought back from London to Perth that I love to play it from time to time."
Rowena also values relationships she's built with her family, friends, and colleagues, as an important part of her personal support system. "I enjoy helping people, whether that's my family, friends, people at work, or in our communities."
Another important part of Rowena’s life is her two Labradors, Molly and Max, who keep Rowena and her partner Tim active and motivated. "They keep us on “schedule” and always reminds us when it’s time for their dinner or a walk."
Rowena’s love for nature and the arts brings balance and inspiration to her life, providing a creative outlet and a sense of calm amidst her busy professional schedule.
A Journey through the Industry: Pioneering Leadership and Excellence
Rowena’s professional journey began with a foundation in economics and finance. After graduating she worked in project development and construction and used her finance background to support project delivery of major projects in the Pilbara.
These early roles laid the groundwork for her transition into other finance roles in Rio Tinto, and expanded her experience outside of the Iron Ore industry into corporate development and financial reporting, performance and functional leadership. Over time, Rowena was exposed to different communities and projects, as the Chief Financial Officer of Copper, then Growth and Innovation and more recently of Iron Ore. “As I grew in my career, I found myself drawn to the challenges of new projects, improving processes and business performance. Often the best solutions came from working with teams to understand the problem and finding solutions together.”
Rowena’s current role as Managing Director Projects at Rio Tinto marks a return to project construction in the Pilbara. “In my current role, our team is responsible for building the next set of mines in the Pilbara,” Rowena shared. “We’re replenishing our current resources and developing Rhodes Ridge, which is an exciting new iron ore region that will operate for many decades to come.”
Rather than following a very specific path, Rowena embraced opportunities as they arose. “I tried a different things when I had the opportunity. I didn’t have a specific career plan and I never imagined that I’d come full circle from starting at Hamersley Iron Business Analysis to leading the Iron Ore Finance team and now the Managing Director of Pilbara Projects. I was able to take up opportunities when they came around, focused on solving problems, implementing projects and worked with great people.”
Her ability to take on challenges with confidence and deliver results helped her prepare for the next role, enabling her to step into increasingly complex and impactful positions.
Now, back in the project space, Rowena reflects on her career with gratitude. “I’ve learned what I love doing is working with great teams, solving complex problems and building things. I’m fortunate to have all of these elements in my current role—it’s truly awesome.”
Advice for Success: Embrace Opportunities, Surround Yourself with the Right People, and Find Joy in the Journey
One of Rowena’s career reflections is her openness to take on a challenge. "I said yes to opportunities and tried different things," she shared. Rowena’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone and take on new experiences has played a key role in her career development.
Looking back on her career, Rowena recognises the impact of people and relationships. "The most rewarding part of my career has been the people I've met and the relationships I’ve developed," she said. Building strong relationships with colleagues, mentors, and peers has been fundamental in her growth.
Rowena offers valuable advice for those starting their careers, emphasising the importance of seizing new opportunities. "Looking back over my career, one of the things that helped me to grow was saying yes to opportunities when they were offered to me. In those times when I wasn't necessarily comfortable or it was completely new, I’d say yes and ask for help in specific areas where I needed to learn more. It’s resulted in diverse experiences and has helped me understand what excites me or what I really enjoy doing – so I am engaged and keep learning. So my advice is simple: say yes, broaden your experience, and find the joy that keeps you engaged throughout your career."
Embracing a challenge, working with great people and continued learning; Rowena’s career exemplifies how these principles can lead to success and personal fulfilment.
Rowena on Driving Positive Change Together
As a 2025 Women in Mining Ambassador, Rowena is determined to use this opportunity to drive change within the resources industry and wider community. Her message is clear: we must create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. "Driving positive change together for me is about how we're using this opportunity to build inclusive cultures and environments. And why is that important? Because we can achieve so much more when we work together.”
For Rowena, IWD is not just a celebration, but a call to action. "How are we using International Women's Day to encourage inclusive cultures, teams and communities where people are comfortable to be themselves, participate, engage and feel like they belong, irrespective of their background, what they look like or where they've come from." This message is one of unity and empowerment, ensuring that every voice is heard, and that opportunities are open to all.
As an IWD Ambassador, Rowena wants to inspire others to be a part of this change. "This year let’s find those opportunities for little acts of generosity and kindness that help to lift people up. How do you help people who maybe are a bit worried and can't speak? How do you help them get curious? How do you help them to find a voice? How do you help them participate? Because actually having people together, connected by a common purpose, is so much better than having the divide."
Rowena’s vision is to continue breaking down barriers and fostering environments where people feel valued and included. Her commitment to leadership, inclusion, and a drive for change will undoubtedly inspire many to follow her lead, creating a stronger, more united industry for future generations.
Did you enjoy this article? We’ve now wrapped up our campaign, sharing inspiring stories of women in mining, including our five incredible Ambassadors. Catch up on any you missed here.
There is still time to join us for our International Women's Day Event Series 2025 across Australia for inspiring celebratory luncheons and networking, 27 February - 14 March 2025.