Published 2026-03-18
Summary: Woodside confirms Liz Westcott is serving as Acting CEO, following Meg O’Neill’s departure in December to pursue the top role at BP. The board named Westcott to lead Woodside’s operations on an interim basis, leveraging her experience as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia.
What We Know
- The Board appointed Liz Westcott as Acting CEO of Woodside, effective 18 December 2025.
- Liz Westcott has been Woodside’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia since June 2023.
- Meg O’Neill departed Woodside in December 2025 to take the top job at BP, prompting the acting CEO appointment.
- The initial information around the leadership change is drawn from the company’s succession documentation and public announcements.
- The focus for the acting chief executive includes project delivery and strategic continuity, as referenced in related coverage of the leadership transition.
What’s Still Unclear
- Whether Meg O’Neill’s departure is finalized or subject to any conditions beyond public reports.
- The length of Westcott’s acting tenure or any plans for a formal permanent appointment.
- Details of any interim governance arrangements or responsibilities added during the transition.
Context
Woodside Energy is a major player in the Australian oil and gas sector. Leadership transitions at large energy companies can influence project delivery, strategic direction, and investor communications during periods of change.
Why It Matters
Leadership continuity is important for maintaining momentum on major projects and for ensuring clear strategic messaging to investors, partners, and stakeholders during a period of executive transition.
What to Watch Next
- Any announcement regarding a permanent appointment to the Chief Executive role at Woodside.
- Updates on Woodside’s strategy and capital projects following the leadership transition.
- Subsequent communications from Woodside about corporate governance and leadership structure.
FAQ
Q: Who is acting as Woodside’s CEO?
A: Liz Westcott has been appointed Acting CEO, effective 18 December 2025.
Q: Why did the acting CEO role arise at Woodside?
A: The role was created due to Meg O’Neill’s departure from Woodside in December 2025 to pursue the top job at BP.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: Woodside had been acting CEO since former head Meg O’Neill departed in December for the top job at BP…
Sources
- PDF CEO Succession – woodside.com
- Woodside Energy confirms CEO change as Meg O'Neill departs
- Meg O'Neill – Wikipedia
- Woodside's CEO Shake-Up: What Happens Next? – colitco.com
- Woodside Energy CEO Succession – Business Wire