In a major leadership shake-up for the global energy sector, Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) has announced the resignation of its CEO and MD Meg O’Neill, departing the Australian energy giant to take the helm as the new CEO of London-based oil and gas supermajor BP.
Woodside chair Richard Goyder congratulated Ms O’Neill on her appointment as BP CEO and thanked her for her significant contributions to Woodside.
The board has appointed exec VP and COO Liz Westcott as acting CEO as an executive search gets underway.
“The Board’s appointment of Meg as CEO in 2021 set the foundation for Woodside’s transformational growth over recent years. This strong business performance has been translated into approximately $11 billion in dividends paid to shareholders since 2022, and a growth trajectory which is expected to deliver significant value," Mr Goyder said.
“Meg leaves Woodside in a strong position, having led the company through the merger with BHP Petroleum, final investment decision on the Scarborough Energy Project, startup of the Sangomar Project, final investment decision for the Louisiana LNG Project, the Beaumont New Ammonia acquisition, introduction of a number of high quality partners in those projects and continued high performance across Woodside’s global operations portfolio.
“Liz’s appointment as Acting CEO provides strong continuity for our business and its people. She will lead and work with Woodside’s highly capable Executive Leadership Team to continue to execute against Woodside’s strategy to deliver shareholder value through disciplined decision-making and operational excellence.
“Woodside’s priorities for 2026 are clear. Liz and her team will focus on safe and efficient operations, execution of major projects and retaining an unwavering focus on staying the strategic course laid out most recently at Woodside’s November 2025 Capital Markets Day.
“The Board’s ongoing focus on CEO succession planning means Woodside is fortunate to have a number of highly qualified internal candidates as we also assess external talent options to ensure the best possible CEO appointment.
"We are well positioned to conclude this process efficiently with the intention of announcing a permanent appointment in the first quarter of 2026.”
