Woodside Energy Names Operations Veteran Liz Westcott as Permanent CEO

Following the departure of Meg O'Neill, Woodside Energy names operations veteran Liz Westcott as CEO to oversee major LNG projects and navigate production challenges.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 11:31 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

A "Safe Pair of Hands" for Industrial Execution

Westcott’s appointment has been widely characterized by market analysts as a low-risk, execution-focused choice. With a 25-year career at ExxonMobil and a former role as COO of EnergyAustralia, she brings deep industrial experience to a company currently overseeing billions of dollars in active construction. Analysts from RBC Capital Markets noted that her leadership is tailored to ensure Woodside's suite of major operated development projects are delivered on time and within budget, a critical priority as the company seeks to justify its $40 billion valuation following the 2022 merger with BHP’s petroleum arm.

The 2026 Delivery Roadmap

Westcott takes over as Woodside enters what she describes as a "big year of delivery." Her immediate priorities include:

Scarborough Gas Project: Pushing the $18 billion project toward its targeted first production in the final quarter of 2026.

Louisiana LNG: Managing the stake sale of a 20% interest in the $17.5 billion U.S. asset to optimize the company's capital allocation.