Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) has confirmed the resignation of independent non-executive director Mark Cutifani, with his departure taking effect on 13 September 2026.

Cutifani joined the Woodside board on 19 March 2026 and served on three board committees during his tenure. His resignation represents another change in the composition of the company's board during 2026.

Director Resignation

Woodside announced on 14 September 2026 that Cutifani had resigned after careful consideration.

Cutifani said his decision was made for personal reasons as he reassessed his global professional commitments and considered where to direct his time and contributions.

Woodside Chair Richard Goyder acknowledged Cutifani's departure and thanked him for his contribution during his time with the company.

The announcement did not identify any dispute associated with the resignation and did not address Woodside's future chair succession arrangements.

Board Tenure

Cutifani was appointed as an independent non-executive director on 19 March 2026.

At the time of his appointment, Woodside highlighted his experience in the global resources sector, including more than four decades in senior executive and operational roles.

Cutifani previously served as chief executive of Anglo American for more than nine years and had earlier been chief executive of AngloGold Ashanti. He also previously chaired Vale Base Metals and served as a non-executive director of TotalEnergies.

Woodside shareholders subsequently elected Cutifani as a director at the company's April 2026 annual general meeting. The resolution received 98.64% of votes cast in favour.

Committee Roles

During his period on the Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) board, Cutifani served on the Audit & Risk Committee, Sustainability Committee and Nominations & Governance Committee.

These committees cover areas including risk oversight, sustainability matters, board composition and corporate governance.

His departure means he no longer participates in these committees, with their composition continuing under Woodside's board governance arrangements.

Board Succession Process

Woodside has an established process for board composition and succession planning.

The company's Nominations & Governance Committee assists the board with reviewing its size and composition, succession plans and the mix of skills, experience and expertise required among directors.

The committee is also responsible for evaluating prospective board candidates and recommending individuals for appointment. Woodside states that an independent recruitment firm may be used when searching for suitable candidates.

Woodside's official announcement regarding Cutifani's resignation did not state that he had been designated as a future chair or identify a replacement for him. Accordingly, suggestions concerning his position in any chair-succession process are not included as established company information.

Richard Goyder's Position

Richard Goyder remains Chair of Woodside Energy.

Woodside's current Leadership information states that Goyder has served as Chair since April 2018 and as a director since August 2017. His current board term requires re-election at the company's 2027 annual general meeting.

A requirement for re-election does not by itself determine when a director or chair will leave the board. Woodside has not set out a new chair-succession timetable in connection with Cutifani's September resignation.

The company's governance framework provides for the board and Nominations & Governance Committee to review succession planning and board composition as part of their established responsibilities.

Board Changes in 2026

Cutifani's departure follows several changes to Woodside's board during 2026.

He joined the board in March, while Liz Westcott was appointed to the board as CEO and Managing Director on 18 March 2026.

Ian Macfarlane retired from the board with effect from 23 April 2026, while Tony O'Neill's resignation took effect on 1 July 2026.

The changes form part of the continuing evolution of Woodside's board structure as directors join, retire or step down.

Governance Framework

Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) maintains four standing board committees that assist the board in carrying out its responsibilities.

The Nominations & Governance Committee specifically oversees matters including board composition, succession planning, director appointments and governance practices. Committee membership is determined with reference to directors' qualifications, experience and skills.

Following Cutifani's resignation, these governance processes remain the formal mechanism through which Woodside can review the composition of its board and consider future director appointments.