BHP Appoints Former Macquarie Executive as New CFO

BHP has announced the appointment of Adrian Wood as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective 17 February 2027.

Adrian succeeds CFO Vandita Pant, who will step down following BHP’s half-year results in February next year. Vandita will remain with the company to ensure a smooth transition before she leaves in March 2027.

Discussing Adrian’s appointment, BHP CEO Brandon Craig says: “Adrian has a strong track record of financial management, strategic thinking and commercial capability. 

“His appointment ensures that we continue to build organisational capacity, with the right mix of skills, experience and perspectives to deliver BHP’s strategy.”

Adrian Wood’s tenure with BHP

Adrian first joined BHP in 2015 and currently serves as Vice President Projects, Minerals Australia. 

He previously held roles as Vice President Finance, Minerals Australia, and as BHP’s Group Investor Relations Officer.

Additionally, Adrian has more than 25 years’ experience across investment banking and corporate roles in both Australia and the UK, including at UBS in London and Macquarie Group. 

In a company statement on Adrian’s appointment, BHP says that he brings “strong finance, commercial, strategy and leadership experience to the role”.

Discussing his appointment, Adrian says: “It is a privilege to be appointed BHP's next Chief Financial Officer. 

“I am succeeding a leader I have great respect for, Vandita Pant, who will be stepping down and will remain with BHP until 29 March 2027 to ensure we have a smooth transition.

“I look forward to working closely with Brandon Craig and the Executive Leadership Team through this next chapter as we deliver BHP's strategy.”

Vandita Pant's departure and legacy at BHP

Vandita Pant first joined BHP in 2016 and has served as the firm’s CFO since 2024.

She presided over a notable period of growth for the company and has been in charge of BHP’s capital allocation framework, a programme that has boosted dividends and buybacks while investing in growth opportunities, such as copper expansion and potash development.

Vandita’s exit marks the second executive departure since Brandon became CEO earlier this year. 

Rag Udd, BHP's Chief Commercial Officer, was appointed Chief Executive of lithium company Albemarle in September and will leave BHP early next year.

Both Vandita and Rag were considered to be the leading contenders for the CEO role at BHP.

Discussing her departure, Brandon praises Vandita, saying she made an “outstanding contribution” across multiple senior financial and commercial roles within the company.

Brandon adds that her discipline and “financial rigour in decision-making” has helped BHP deliver “healthy shareholder returns, invest in future growth and has put us in a strong position for the future”.

Discussing her departure, Brandon praises Vandita, saying she made an “outstanding contribution” across multiple senior financial and commercial roles within the company.

Brandon adds that her discipline and “financial rigour in decision-making” has helped BHP deliver “healthy shareholder returns, invest in future growth and has put us in a strong position for the future”.

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