Darren Woods, born on December 16, 1965 (age 58), is the current CEO and Chairman of ExxonMobil, a company rooted in the oil and gas industry. It ranks as the seventh largest company in the United States and is among the top ten global oil corporations.
Woods has spent his entire professional career at Exxon. Even before the merger between Exxon and Mobil, the Kansas-born executive was already working for the company. Starting as an analyst, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder to become one of its most prominent public figures.
He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas, later completing an MBA at Northwestern University, a private institution in Illinois.
At the age of 27, after years of study, he got his first opportunity at Exxon—a life-changing early break. His first role was as an analyst, and over the years, he held various roles across different departments and U.S. states.
Darren Woods and his career at Exxon
Woods began his Exxon career as a planning analyst at what was then called Exxon Company International, based in New Jersey. Beyond the company’s main focus on oil and gas, it has several divisions, and Woods worked across many of them.
One of these was ExxonMobil Chemical, the branch responsible for chemical products, where Woods spent his early years. By the late 2000s, he had transitioned to ExxonMobil Refining and Supply, which manages the supply chain.
These varied experiences laid the foundation for Woods’ rise. In 2005, he was named Vice President of ExxonMobil Chemical in Houston, Texas.
In 2008, he was appointed Vice President of Products and Refining for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His responsibilities took him to multiple international locations, each contributing to his expanding expertise.
Two years later, in 2010, Woods was named Vice President of Supply and Transportation in the United States.
His first major leadership position came in 2012, when he became President of ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Company and also a company Vice President.
Woods’ continued success led to a 2014 promotion to Senior Vice President—a broad leadership role overseeing company-wide operations. Two years later, in 2016, he was named President of ExxonMobil. His rise within the company—from chemicals to global supply chain management—reflected a clear trajectory of growth.
In 2016, ExxonMobil Chemical posted revenue increases of nearly $8 billion under Woods’ leadership—a milestone for the company.
CEO role and climate controversy
In 2017, Woods was appointed CEO and Chairman of ExxonMobil, roles he continues to hold. His tenure coincides with increasing scrutiny of oil companies for their contributions to climate change.
As a fossil fuel company, Exxon has faced pressure to lower its carbon emissions and develop cleaner energy strategies. Woods publicly supported international climate agreements and positioned Exxon as committed to emissions reduction—though some of its approaches have drawn criticism for lacking clarity.
Despite controversy, Woods has remained a visible proponent of innovation within ExxonMobil. In 2023, he received an award recognizing the contributions of chemistry to humanity.
Recently, it was reported that Woods earns nearly $30 million annually in his dual role as CEO and Chairman.
From analyst to top executive, Woods’ journey—beginning in 1992—continues to shape the future of one of the most influential companies in the energy sector.