Mariano Fanlo

Building Belonging, Equity and Stronger Decisions at TAC

Originally from Argentina, Mariano Fanlo brings a global perspective to his work at Tomago Aluminium Company (TAC), shaped by experiences across different countries, cultures, and industries. For Mariano, creating a workplace where people feel respected, heard, and able to contribute is not separate from good business. It is fundamental to it.

As a Finance Business Partner and Chair of the DEI Committee, Mariano combines professional rigour with a strong personal commitment to inclusion, helping to strengthen decision-making and foster a culture of belonging across the organisation.

In his role within Finance, Mariano works closely with operational leaders to understand cost drivers, assess performance, and provide clear insights that support informed decisions. “Finance plays a critical role in long-term sustainability and operational performance,” he explains, noting that strong outcomes rely on collaboration, trust, and a shared understanding across teams.

Mariano was initially drawn to TAC by the organisation’s scale, complexity, and importance to Australian manufacturing. What has kept him there, however, is the culture. “What has kept me here is the collaborative environment, the calibre of people, and the opportunity to work in a business where finance genuinely supports long-term outcomes,” he says.

Having built his career across multiple countries and business environments, Mariano credits his international background with shaping how he approaches his work and leadership. Before joining TAC, he worked in financial advisory, investment analysis, and finance transformation roles, including at Equifax Australia. “Working across different roles, industries, and cultures has shaped how I approach my work,” he says. “I’ve learned that listening first, being curious, and respecting different perspectives leads to better outcomes, both professionally and personally.”

For Mariano, the concept of belonging sits at the heart of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Belonging means feeling respected, valued, and comfortable contributing your ideas,” he says. “Ideas are ideas, no matter who they come from.” He believes this is created through trust, openness, and an environment where people feel safe to speak up and challenge constructively.

That philosophy underpins his leadership as Chair of the DEI Committee. Mariano stepped into the role because he wanted to help create a workplace where people from all backgrounds feel they belong and have equal opportunity to succeed. “My experiences working across different countries and cultures reinforced how important diversity and inclusion are in building strong, resilient organisations,” he explains.

While Mariano acknowledges the progress TAC has made, he is also clear that the work continues. “We’ve made DEI more visible and have a better understanding of where we are today and where we want to be,” he says. “There is still a lot of work to do, particularly in areas like gender diversity, but there is strong support from Management to keep improving and doing better.” This honest, data-informed approach reflects TAC’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Support and flexibility have also been important to Mariano on a personal level. Having recently become a dad, he values the trust and understanding shown by the organisation. “The flexibility and support at Tomago have been key in helping me balance work and family life,” he says. “That culture of trust makes it possible to meet both professional responsibilities and personal commitments.”

Looking ahead, Mariano is optimistic about TAC’s future. He points to the organisation’s focus on safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, combined with the strength of its people. For those considering a career at TAC from a different background or country, his message is clear. “People here are generous with their time and genuinely willing to share knowledge,” he says. “Different experiences are appreciated. What matters most is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to getting better.”