Woodside Energy Names Liz Westcott Permanent CEO After Acting Role
According to Drilling Contractor, Woodside Energy has officially named Elizabeth (Liz) Westcott as CEO and Managing Director, confirming her in the role she has held on an acting basis since December 2025.
Leadership Continuity at a Major LNG Operator
Westcott brings more than 30 years of energy industry experience to the permanent role. She joined Woodside in June 2023 as Executive Vice President and COO Australia, overseeing the company’s Australian operations including the Scarborough Energy Project and the Bass Strait operator transition. Before Woodside, she served as COO at EnergyAustralia and spent 25 years at ExxonMobil across operations in Australia, the UK, and Italy.
Her elevation from acting to permanent CEO suggests the Woodside board is satisfied with the strategic direction she has maintained since predecessor Meg O’Neill stepped down. The Scarborough project, a major offshore LNG development off Western Australia, remains one of Woodside’s largest active capital commitments and a significant source of ongoing contractor work.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- LNG construction and hook-up work tied to the Scarborough Energy Project is expected to continue under Westcott’s leadership. US-based offshore contractors and equipment suppliers with Pacific Basin reach should monitor procurement activity from this project.
- Bass Strait transition work is ongoing as Woodside takes over operatorship. Companies providing production maintenance, inspection, and integrity services should watch for vendor qualification opportunities.
- Leadership stability generally reduces procurement delays. Subcontractors who have been in discussions with Woodside’s supply chain teams can expect those conversations to continue without a strategic reset.
- US Gulf Coast contractors with deepwater or LNG expertise may find Woodside a relevant international client, particularly as the company expands its global asset base.
