Woodside locks in new CEO as energy giant enters next phase

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is on the move today following the oil and gas producer’s latest announcement.

At the time of writing, the Woodside share price is edging slightly higher by 0.19% to $31.48 in early morning trade.

The gain comes after the company confirmed the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive.

Here’s everything investors need to know.

Woodside confirms new Chief Executive

According to the release, Woodside has appointed Elizabeth (Liz) Westcott as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

Westcott has served as acting CEO since December 2025, following the departure of former Chief Executive Meg O’Neill.

She brings more than 30 years of experience in the global energy industry.

Westcott joined Woodside in 2023 as Executive Vice President for Australian Operations and was later promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Australia.

In those roles, she oversaw several key domestic assets and developments, including the Scarborough Energy Project and the Pluto Train 2 expansion.

Before joining Woodside, Westcott was Chief Operating Officer at Energy Australia, where she managed the company’s electricity generation portfolio.

Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at ExxonMobil, working across Australia, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Woodside Chairman Richard Goyder noted that the appointment followed a comprehensive search process that considered both internal and external candidates.

Board highlights operational experience

Goyder said the board believes Westcott’s leadership and operational experience make her well-suited to lead the company.

He added that her background across large-scale energy projects and operations positions Woodside to continue delivering long-term value for shareholders.

Westcott said she was honoured to lead the business and plans to focus on disciplined execution and operational performance.

She also highlighted Woodside’s strong portfolio of projects and its long history of supplying energy to global markets.

Key projects remain central to growth plans

Woodside has grown in recent years, particularly after its merger with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)’s petroleum business in 2022. The deal created one of the largest independent oil and gas producers listed on the ASX.

The company is currently progressing several major developments. These include the Scarborough gas project and the Pluto Train 2 LNG expansion in Western Australia.

Both projects are expected to support Woodside’s future production and export volumes in the coming years.

The leadership appointment takes place as Woodside continues advancing a number of large projects across its global portfolio.

Attention will now turn to watching how the company progresses these developments under its newly appointed Chief Executive.

The post Woodside locks in new CEO as energy giant enters next phase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.