She was at Woodside from 2006 to 2010.

 

With Deutsch equity analyst Yasmin Allen already on board as a non-executive director, Perth-based Dr Guthrie's addition means Santos has hit the Australian oil and gas sector's broad gender target of around one-third women.

 

Luring Dr Guthrie to Santos' board is considered something of a coup considering the competition among the quality of candidates in the market.

 

Dr Guthrie's strong environmental track record was particularly prescient given the pressures the company faces in trying to develop its Narrabri CSG project in New South Wales. 

 

She has been described as a "natural fit" for Santos given her expertise across the board.

 

Dr Guthrie's appointment as an independent non-executive director is part of the board's ongoing renewal process flagged by both CEO Kevin Gallagher and chairman Peter Coates, following the recent retirement of Scott Sheffield at the conclusion of its recent AGM.

 

Dr Guthrie ticks many boxes with qualifications in geology, environment, law and business development including a PhD in geology, and was vice president of sustainable development at Woodside before leading WA uranium hopeful Toro until last December.

 

She is also chairwoman of the Minerals Council of Australia and a non-executive director of the ABC, an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women.

 

Santos also has female representation in its leadership team, with Naomi James overseeing Santos' legal, risk and audit, company secretary, environment and safety functions as executive VP EHS and governance.