BHP Names Brandon Craig CEO as Woodside Confirms Elizabeth Westcott as Leader

Leadership changes at two major Australian companies signal industry shifts towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:37am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished copper ingot, a sleek lithium-ion battery, and a smooth, spherical model of the Earth, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background. The objects represent the key commodities and global reach of the mining and energy industries, using sharp, dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to convey a sense of corporate strategy, finance, and sustainability.As the mining and energy sectors navigate a transition towards greener practices, the leadership choices made by BHP and Woodside Energy could shape the industry's future.Chicago Today

BHP, the global mining giant, has appointed Brandon Craig as its new CEO, effective July. Meanwhile, Woodside Energy has appointed Elizabeth Westcott as its ongoing CEO and managing director. These leadership changes reflect broader industry trends, with companies prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility as they navigate complex global landscapes.

Why it matters

The appointments of Brandon Craig and Elizabeth Westcott signal a new chapter for BHP and Woodside Energy, respectively. As these companies navigate complex global landscapes, their leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the industry's trajectory. The compensation structures and industry dynamics surrounding these appointments offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing corporate Australia.

The details

BHP's new CEO, Brandon Craig, has extensive experience in future-facing commodities like copper and lithium, which has been pivotal in solidifying BHP's position as the world's largest copper producer. In contrast, Craig's annual base salary is substantially lower than that of his predecessor, Mike Henry, who earned $19 million in realized pay last financial year. This disparity raises questions about executive compensation and the balance between performance and rewards. At Woodside Energy, Elizabeth Westcott's appointment as CEO and managing director comes after a period of transition, with her predecessor, Meg O'Neill, departing for BP. Westcott's compensation package includes a fixed annual reward of $2.3 million, along with substantial performance-based bonuses, which aligns with the company's recent success, such as the 40-year extension to its North West Shelf gas project.

  • BHP's new CEO, Brandon Craig, will take office in July.
  • Woodside Energy's new CEO, Elizabeth Westcott, has been appointed as the ongoing CEO and managing director.

The players

Brandon Craig

The new CEO of BHP, the global mining giant. Craig has extensive experience in future-facing commodities like copper and lithium, which has been pivotal in solidifying BHP's position as the world's largest copper producer.

Elizabeth Westcott

The new CEO and managing director of Woodside Energy, a Perth-based energy company. Westcott has extensive experience in the energy sector, including her role as Chief Operating Officer at EnergyAustralia and her time at ExxonMobil.

Mike Henry

The predecessor of Brandon Craig as CEO of BHP, who earned a staggering $19 million in realized pay last financial year.

Meg O'Neill

The predecessor of Elizabeth Westcott as CEO and managing director of Woodside Energy, who has departed for BP.

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What they’re saying

“These leadership changes reflect a broader trend of companies prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the energy and mining sectors navigate a transition towards greener practices, the leadership choices made by BHP and Woodside Energy could shape the industry's future.”

— Kimberely Baumbach CPA, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These appointments signal a new chapter for BHP and Woodside Energy, with their leaders playing a crucial role in shaping the industry's trajectory. The compensation structures and industry dynamics surrounding these appointments offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and opportunities facing corporate Australia as the energy and mining sectors navigate a transition towards greener practices.