The former CEO of UK explorer Enterprise Oil, Dr Pierre Jungels, which was taken over by Shell earlier this year, and who is currently the head of the UK Institute of Petroleum, will join the Woodside board from December 1.

From 1995 to 1996 he was the managing director of Exploration and Production of British Gas plc and prior to that was executive director of the board of Belgian company, Petrofina SA.

Also joining the Woodside board is the recently retired chief financial officer of fellow Perth energy player, Wesfarmers Ltd, Mr Erich Fraunschiel.

Woodside Chairman Mr Charles Goode, said "The appointment of the two new non-executive directors strengthens the Board. Mr Fraunschiel is Perth-based and will bring to the Board senior financial and general business experience. He will chair the Company's Audit Committee. Dr Jungels is London-based with extensive international exploration and development experience."

Industry watchers will be keen to see what investment opportunities Jungel will bring to the Woodside table, as the Australian major is widely expected to take on at least one acquisition to fill a widely touted oil production dip, forecast to coincide with the decline of the Laminaria/Corallina fields.