BP Appoints Meg O'Neill as New CEO, Big Oil's First Female Boss

Core Insights - Meg O'Neill is a prominent figure in the fossil fuel industry, particularly known in Asia and Australia, and has been the CEO of Woodside since 2021 [2][3] - Under her leadership, Woodside has achieved operational excellence and made significant moves, including a billion-dollar acquisition of oil and gas assets from BHP [2][3] - O'Neill has shown ambition by attempting to acquire Australia's largest rival, although she ultimately decided against the deal due to value concerns [3] Company Strategy - O'Neill is recognized for her strong defense of fossil fuels, emphasizing the continued need for oil and natural gas for decades to come [3][5] - BP's recent strategic shift back towards fossil fuels aligns with O'Neill's expertise, making her an appealing choice for leadership as the company aims to reset its strategy [5][6] - Her track record at Woodside demonstrates her ability to enhance existing assets and strategically consider new acquisitions, which may address investor concerns about BP's pace of strategic movement [5][6]