Vanessa Torres

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Chair at Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)

Greater Perth Area, Australia

Overview

Vanessa Torres is the Chief Operating Officer for South32s Australian businesses, with a global career across resource companies like BHP and Vale. She has extensive experience in P&L management, operational turnarounds, and business transformation. People who have worked with her describe her as an analytical, strategic, and inspirational leader who actively develops her teams.

Inspired by her engineer grandfather at age five, she has pursued a global career across South America, Canada, and Australia. Passionate about community contribution, she co-founded and financially supports a non-profit in Brazil that has provided professional development to underprivileged students for over 20 years, and serves as a director for Foodbank WA.

She was named the 2017 Exceptional Woman in Resources in Australia, a testament to her influence and leadership.

Personality Overview

Decisive But Calm

Consummate Professional

Dynamic But Sincere

They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.  They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Topics They Care About

Innovation in Mining
As former CTO, she founded South32's 'Innovate32' program. She will also become Chair of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia in 2026 to drive research excellence.
Business Transformation
Her career is defined by leading large-scale operational turnarounds, driving digital transformation, and reshaping global technology services with a focus on enterprise-wide improvements.
Women in Resources
Is passionate about promoting women in mining, has won awards for being an exceptional woman in the industry, and actively participates in women's leadership events.

Media Appearances

Changes to the South32 Lead Team – Appointment of Vanessa Torres as COO. Featured in South32 – News & Media

See Now

Work History

1-2026
Chair at Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)
9-2024
Board Director at Minerals Council of Australia
3-2024
Chief Operating Officer at South32
7-2020 - 3-2024
Chief Technical Officer at South32
8-2018 - 7-2020
Chief Technology Officer at South32

Education

2008 - 2008
Exec. Education from INSEAD
2006 - 2006
Exec Education from INSEAD

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : 34 Location : Greater Perth Area, Australia Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chair at Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)
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Insights For Selling To Vanessa

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Focus on the results that your product produces, expect some strategic questions in return

DONT's

  • Don't focus too much on mutual contacts or bother about other stakeholders, focus on them
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Vanessa is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Vanessa

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Vanessa move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Vanessa take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Vanessa

Personality Compatibility


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