By David Winning

SYDNEY--Woodside Petroleum Ltd. named Meg O'Neill as the company's chief executive, tasking her with driving ambitious growth plans that include a possible development of its Scarborough natural-gas resource offshore Australia.

Ms. O'Neill has been acting chief executive following the retirement of Peter Coleman in June. Woodside said her appointment as CEO is effective immediately.

"Meg's impeccable credentials and proven leadership capabilities, exemplified in recent months, set her apart as the Board's top candidate for the CEO position," said Chairman Richard Goyder.

Write to David Winning at david.winning@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

08-17-21 0301ET