Austria’s OMV is set to appoint Emma Delaney as its next chief executive officer and chair of the executive board, marking a historic leadership shift for the Vienna-based energy group.
The announcement was made on Friday, with Delaney expected to assume the role in September, following the exit of current CEO Alfred Stern, who earlier confirmed he would not seek re-election when his contract expires at the end of August.
Delaney, an Irish national, has spent nearly three decades at BP, joining in 1995 and rising through the ranks to lead its global customers and products division since 2020.
Her appointment, recommended by OMV’s supervisory board, is initially for a three-year term, with the option of a two-year extension pending board approval at a forthcoming meeting.
OMV’s deputy chair Edith Hlawati said the nomination would strengthen the company’s international profile, highlighting Delaney’s extensive global industry experience.
The move will also see Delaney become OMV’s first female CEO, reflecting broader shifts in corporate governance and diversity priorities within the energy sector.
At BP, Delaney has overseen key downstream operations, including retail fuel networks, lubricants and the company’s expanding electric vehicle charging business.
BP confirmed that Delaney has informed CEO Meg O’Neill of her decision to pursue another opportunity, wishing her success in the next phase of her career.
The company added that Richard Harding will step in as acting executive vice president for customers and products from April 13.
The leadership transition comes as major energy firms continue to balance traditional oil and gas operations with evolving energy transition strategies and stakeholder expectations.