Who was the departing executive at Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG project, and what was her role?

Sarah Bairstow was the senior vice president and president of Louisiana LNG, Woodside’s first LNG export project outside Australia and a key part of the company’s goal to operate 5% of global LNG production by the 2030s.

What broader context surrounds Bairstow’s departure, including recent industry developments and Woodside’s strategic moves?

Bairstow’s abrupt departure comes amid global LNG market volatility—triggered by Middle East conflict disrupting supply from Qatar’s largest plant, spiking spot prices, and dampening buyer appetite for long-term contracts—while Woodside simultaneously advances its U.S. LNG ambitions through its 2024 acquisition of Tellurian Inc., its partnership with Williams Cos. (which holds a minority stake in Louisiana LNG and majority ownership of connecting pipelines), and secured long-term offtake from Germany’s Uniper SE for 1 million tons per year over 13 years; it is also the second major executive shakeup in under a year, following former CEO Meg O’Neill’s move to BP Plc.

Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG President Abruptly Departs

Jun 15, 2026

Sarah Bairstow, president of Woodside Energy's $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, has abruptly departed shortly after hiring. This leadership shakeup occurs amid global LNG supply tensions and follows the recent exit of former CEO Meg O'Neill.

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