Woodside Energy Chief Executive Meg O’Neill has been appointed to the Board of the Business Council of Australia.
Ms O’Neill will replace long-serving BCA director Alison Kitchen AM, who is stepping down now at the completion of her term.
Business Council President Geoff Culbert welcomed Ms O’Neill’s appointment, highlighting her experience leading one of Australia’s largest energy companies.
“Meg O’Neill is a thought leader and a strong advocate for Australia’s long-term economic growth and energy security,” Mr Culbert said.
“She will make an important contribution to our Board as the BCA continues its engagement with community, businesses and policymakers to support our country’s future prosperity.”
Ms O’Neill said she was looking forward to making a significant contribution to the BCA.
“I am very pleased to be appointed to the Board of the BCA – Australia’s pre-eminent business advocacy organisation,” said Ms O’Neill.
“I look forward to working with such a distinguished group of executives to help shape the national conversation about what is required to enable Australian businesses to thrive.”
Mr Culbert thanked Alison Kitchen for her tenure as a director on the BCA Board and the significant role she has played in the BCA’s strategy.
“I thank Alison for her more than three years of dedication and service on the Board, and for her role as an active policy advocate, leading our economic work through her role as Chair of the Macroeconomics Committee,” Mr Culbert said.
“Alison played a key role for the Board during the Covid pandemic, leading and supporting the critical advocacy undertaken by the BCA. She was also instrumental in the development of many important policies, including the now adopted paid parental policy.”
Mrs Kitchen said: “The Business Council plays a vital role advocating for policies in Australia’s national interest and I am pleased to have played my part in supporting businesses to create more economic opportunities for all Australians.”
“I am proud to be part of the BCA team which worked through the Covid pandemic to keep essential businesses and services operating, while navigating the complexity of reopening the country.”
Ms O’Neill has been appointed to fill the vacancy arising from the conclusion of Mrs Kitchen’s term, and this appointment will be submitted for confirmation at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
Ms O’Neill joins President Geoff Culbert, Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Matt Comyn, Wesfarmers Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Rob Scott, Rio Tinto Australia Chief Executive Kellie Parker, Google Australia & New Zealand Managing Director and VP Mel Silva, Dow Australia & New Zealand Managing Director Karen Dobson, Gilbert & Tobin Co-Founder and Chairman Danny Gilbert AM and Chief Executive Bran Black on the BCA Board.
