Australia’s Woodside Names Liz Westcott as CEO
Synopsis
Woodside Energy announces the appointment of Liz Westcott as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Westcott has been serving as interim CEO since December 2025 and has assumed the permanent position at the company as it shifts its focus to North American expansion and its Scarborough Energy Project. Westcott, who joined the company in 2021 after more than three decades at ExxonMobil, has a challenge ahead of her with production outlooks for 2026 looking softer. The appointment offers stability for Australia’s largest oil and gas producer after experienced chief Meg O’Neill stepped down.
The Australian company Woodside Energy appointed Liz Westcott as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Westcott, who has been in the role since late 2025, steps into a transitional period at the company.
Key Highlights
- Liz Westcott was appointed Permanent CEO and Managing Director of Woodside.
- Successor Meg O’Neill was left to run global rival BP.
- Westcott has more than 30 years of global energy experience.
- The company focuses on major projects amid lower production guidance.
Woodside Appoints Liz Westcott as CEO
Woodside Energy announced on Wednesday that Liz Westcott will take on the role of chief executive on a full-time basis. The appointment comes after former chief Meg O’Neill’s unexpected exit in December 2025.
Westcott joins from a role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Woodside’s Australian businesses. She started at the firm in June 2023, and her remit includes leading major projects, such as the Scarborough Energy Project and the transition of Bass Strait operations.
Strategic Transition and Market Context
The leadership shift comes at a critical juncture for Australia’s largest oil and gas producer. The former chief executive, Meg O’Neill, left the firm to take over BP after a four-year tenure that included the high-profile merger with BHP Group’s petroleum business.
Analysts see Westcott’s appointment as a stabilising choice with an eye toward operational continuity. The company is focused on growing its business in the United States, betting that demand for gas from around the world will climb through its liquefied natural gas facilities in Louisiana.
Operational Challenges and Production Outlook
The company recently reduced its 2026 output guidance, citing operational challenges and timing uncertainties in some of its ongoing operations. Despite these challenges, Chairman Richard Goyder sounded positive about the appointment. Westcott’s extensive industry knowledge positions the company to meet future energy demand while also providing long-term value to its shareholders, he said.
International Experience and Future Objectives
Before joining Woodside, Westcott spent 25 years at ExxonMobil in senior leadership roles throughout Australia, the United Kingdom and Italy. She also held the Chief Operating Officer role at EnergyAustralia and has 3 decades of industry experience.
In the future, Westcott’s chief task will be to deliver Woodside’s portfolio of key operated development projects. The announcement of the sale plan was welcomed by markets, with Woodside shares rising by close to 1 per cent in early trading.
FAQS
- Who is Woodside Energy’s new permanent CEO?
Liz Westcott has been appointed permanently as CEO and Managing Director.
- What position did Liz Westcott hold before this appointment?
She was Woodside’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
- Why did the former C.E.O., Meg O’Neill, depart?
O’Neill left in December 2025 to take the helm of the global energy giant BP.
- What is Woodside Energy’s production outlook?
The company has reduced its 2026 production guidance due to operational shortfalls.
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