Full Name: Tanya Simmonds
Current Role: Finance Director
Current Organisation: Alcoa Australia
Last Role at PwC: Manager
Time at PwC: 1998 - 2005
What’s the one career achievement you’re most proud of?
The career achievement I’m most proud of is being part of the team that secured medium- to long-term power contracts for Portland Aluminium—not just once, but twice under extraordinary circumstances. The first was following a significant power outage that threatened the smelter’s operations. The second was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty and logistical challenges were at their peak. In both instances, our work was critical to ensuring the long-term viability of the smelter, protecting hundreds of jobs, and supporting the local economy. It was a testament to our team’s resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to securing a sustainable future for the business and its people.
What’s been your biggest career challenge and how have you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges in my career was stepping into the interim Vice President of Operations role for Alcoa Australia. It was a pivotal leadership position that required me to quickly gain a deep understanding of complex environmental constraints and the broader sustainability landscape.
A key part of the role involved ensuring we maintained our social licence to operate—balancing operational performance with environmental stewardship and community expectations. I had to rapidly get up to speed on regulatory requirements, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability goals. I overcame this challenge by actively listening, collaborating with internal and external experts, and making informed, values-driven decisions. It was a defining experience that strengthened my leadership capabilities and deepened my commitment to responsible, sustainable operations.
You worked at PwC for over seven years? Was there a standout memory or highlight during your time here?
Absolutely. I feel very fortunate to have spent over seven years at PwC, working in the energy and mining sectors—industries I’m still passionate about today. One standout highlight was the opportunity to move from Melbourne to Glasgow. It was a big step professionally and personally. While there, I had the privilege of working with ScottishPower, the largest integrated electricity company in the UK at the time. It was a significant and complex engagement that gave me deep insight into the energy sector and sharpened my skills in working with large-scale, regulated businesses. On a personal level, I also formed lifelong friendships, and many of the colleagues I met in Glasgow have since moved to Australia, which made the experience even more meaningful.
You spent 18 years at Alcoa in finance and have moved into an operations role. How has the transition been?
The transition from finance to operations was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. After 18 years in finance at Alcoa, stepping into an operational leadership role pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a great deal—particularly about the importance of strong, visible leadership and the day-to-day realities of running complex operations.
Now that I’ve returned to my Finance Director role over the past six months, I feel fortunate to still be closely involved in operations. The experience has allowed me to become more engaged in operational decision-making, bringing a broader, more integrated perspective to the table. It’s made me a more effective business partner and a more well-rounded leader.
Alcoa Foundation partnered with Aspen Medical Foundation to support amputees and healthcare resilience in Ukraine. What does this partnership mean to you?
Since 2023, Alcoa Foundation has supported Aspen Medical Foundation’s work in Ukraine, helping provide prosthetics to those affected by war and strengthening the country’s healthcare resilience. It’s a powerful example of how corporate philanthropy can deliver real, life-changing impact.
I’m proud to be part of an organization that not only recognizes the importance of global humanitarian efforts but also takes action to support them. This initiative reflects our values—compassion, responsibility, and community—and reminds me that our work can extend far beyond business to truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Alcoa has a history of innovation. Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for Alcoa, or the mining industry as a whole?
The future of Alcoa—and the mining industry more broadly—is centered around sustainable innovation. At Alcoa, we’re focused on advancing responsible mining practices that protect the environment and maintain our social licence to operate, particularly here in Western Australia.
Key areas of innovation include:
- Decarbonisation: We're actively working to reduce emissions across our operations, including exploring alternative fuels and electrification.
- Autonomous electric haul trucks: These are being trialed to improve safety, efficiency, and reduce our carbon footprint.
- Renewable energy integration: Projects like solar farms are being developed to power high-energy processes such as calciners, helping offset natural gas usage.
- Sustainable mining practices: From rehabilitation to water stewardship, we’re embedding sustainability into every stage of the mining lifecycle.
You relocated from Victoria to WA almost 10 years ago. Do you consider yourself a Sandgroper now and what’s the best thing about living in Perth?
I’ll always be a proud Victorian—and a mad Demons supporter! But after more than a decade in WA, my kids are definitely Sandgropers—they barely remember living in Victoria.
What I love most about Perth is the lifestyle. The climate is amazing, and the Swan River is absolutely beautiful for swimming, boating, and relaxing. We’ve spent countless hours as a family enjoying time on the river—it’s become a special part of our lives and a place where we can truly unwind together.
Is there a book or podcast you can’t get enough of right now?
With three teenagers in Years 12, 10, and 8—and all the netball, football, cricket, and calisthenics that come with it—plus work, reading a book feels like a distant dream right now! My current version of downtime is watching the Demons on the weekend and enjoying good food with a glass of wine. Life is full, fast-paced, and fun—with just enough time to cheer from the sidelines and unwind at the end of the week.
