Australian energy major had been hoping to find new leader by end of first quarter
Woodside Energy has named Liz Westcott as its permanent chief executive and managing director, three months after she was given the interim title following Meg O’Neill’s departure for BP.
She will earn an annual pay package of A$2.3 million (US$1.64 million), including salary and benefits, according to Woodside.
Westcott joined Woodside in 2023 as the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer of Australia operations. She previously worked at EnergyAustralia and spent 25 years at ExxonMobil in Australia, the UK and Italy.
Westcott’s appointment “reflected the depth of executive talent at Woodside” and was the result of “considered succession planning overseen by the board”, Woodside said.
“Liz’s proven track record of outstanding strategic leadership and disciplined delivery distinguished her as the Board’s top candidate for this role,” Woodside chair Richard Goyder said.
“Liz’s extensive industry experience and strategic vision will be invaluable in leading Woodside at this significant moment in its history, as we position the company to meet growing global energy demand and deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Westcott said she was honoured to earn the permanent role and that she will focus on “operational excellence and disciplined execution” as key priorities.
“I look forward to working closely with the board and Woodside’s strong leadership team to continue building a leading global energy company that delivers long-term value for shareholders, underpinned by a consistent focus on sustainability and high performance,” she said.
Woodside had previously said it was aiming to name a permanent chief executive by the end of the first quarter. Industry observers had told Upstream that Westcott had a strong chance to take the reins on a full-time basis.
Westcott took on Woodside’s top post when BP revealed that Murray Auchincloss would step aside in favour of O’Neill, who is set to start at the UK supermajor on 1 April.
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