Wood appoints new Executive President of People & Organization

Wood announced the appointment of Lesley Birse as Executive President of People & Organization (P&O). Birse replaces Sue MacDonald who will retire at the end of the year, after a distinguished career that included more than a decade with Wood.

Lesley assumes the new role having previously worked as President of Wood’s global Operations business unit. She brings over 20 years of global HR experience and a passion for harnessing the potential of people to deliver strategic business outcomes. Throughout her career, Birse has shaped HR strategies to drive growth, championed diversity and inclusion campaigns, and played a key role in leading cultural change and transformation programmes with a focus on delivery.

Robin Watson, Chief Executive, Wood, said: “Whether it’s the energy transition, evolving societal expectations or the speed of digitalization, the world around us is changing faster than ever before. At Wood, our people strategy is central to how we respond to these trends, so I’m delighted to welcome Lesley into this new role. Attracting, engaging, developing and retaining talent will power our future success and enable us to build on core strengths while we continue to broaden and innovate.”

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to pass on my sincere thanks to Sue for her outstanding contribution to Wood. Her commitment and compassion have been a vital catalyst in leading our teams through the transformations we’ve undergone in recent years, and in bringing our organization, culture and people together to shape the community we are today.”

Lesley Birse, Executive President of P&O, Wood, said: “It is our people who find innovative solutions for our clients, who are unlocking solutions to some of the world’s most critical challenges and, ultimately, who will differentiate us in a complex, competitive market. It’s a privilege to step into this new role and shape a people strategy that ensures we are future-focused, digitally enabled and competitive, while at the same time creating a great place to work where our people can achieve their full potential.”

Birse assumed full responsibilities as Executive President of P&O on November 1st as part of a managed transition process.