Don voelte woodside biography of william

WOODSIDE Petroleum has ended long-running speculation about the tenure of its chief executive, with Don Voelte today announcing his retirement.

Mr Voelte told reporters in Perth today he would step down in the second half of , however a specific date had not been set as he and the rest of Woodside’s board were keen on a “seamless transition” for the next chief executive.

The oil and gas company has appointed a recruiter to search for candidates internally and externally.

Internal staff rumoured to be candidates include board director Robert Cole, executive vice president of Woodside’s North West Shelf business Kevin Gallagher and Lucio Della Martina, who holds the same role for the Pluto project in the state’s north.

Speculation had intensified in the past year about the timing of Mr Voelte’s departure following reports he wanted go to the US to reunite with his wife Nancy, who has business interests in the country.

Woodside chairman Michael