Woodside Energy is expanding its presence in India with a new Bengaluru global capability centre focused on technology and digital functions. Called Woodside Global Solutions, the centre is the Australian energy company’s 3rd corporate centre globally and already has more than 150 employees.
The Bengaluru centre brings together teams working in AI, cybersecurity, data engineering and product engineering. It is also developing capabilities in finance, procurement and operational excellence, with scope to take on a wider global role over time.
“Woodside Global Solutions represents an important step in our growth journey,” said Kristine Leo, vice-president and India country manager at Woodside Energy. “As Woodside continues to grow internationally, we are focused on building the skills, collaborations, and ways of working that create value across our operations.” She added, “Bengaluru gives us access to exceptional talent that will help shape Woodside’s next phase of growth with global colleagues,”
Woodside has around 11 locations globally, including LNG hubs in Australia and the Gulf of Mexico and operations in Africa. The company chose India after evaluating multiple countries and cities, with talent and capabilities among the key factors. Bengaluru’s technology ecosystem and growing presence of energy companies also influenced the decision.
“For us, as an energy company, you also look at the tech ecosystem,” said Sameer Singhal, who leads Woodside’s digital solutions function in India. He described Bengaluru as a ‘mini energy corridor of Houston’, citing its combination of technology talent, specialised technology and energy expertise.
The centre is following a digital-first approach rather than initially scaling large operational teams. “If it was cost alone we would have probably started with operations,” Singhal said. “But we’ve consciously put that on the back burner to look at the technical capability first.”
The company is focusing on quality rather than a fixed headcount. “The intent for us is not really about quantity but about quality,” Singhal said.
AI is being explored for personal, corporate and operational productivity. Woodside already has an enterprise AI search engine and production use cases for LNG plant maintenance and turnaround activities. The company is moving from pilots to production applications while keeping humans involved in critical decisions.
“Energy company safety and security is absolutely paramount,” Singhal said.
Data engineering is another key pillar, with India becoming one of its fastest-growing teams. “Without data there’s no way AI can operate effectively,” he said.
HR head Abhishek Agrawal said the centre will combine energy-domain experts with technology and business-process professionals. “We want to diversify the mix, bring in people with different backgrounds, with different experience levels and look at capability as the more important element,” Agrawal said.
The company is also building a shared culture between India and Australia through learning, career development, recognition and wellness initiatives. Bengaluru teams generally work from 8am to 4:30pm to create overlap with global teams.
Singhal said the centre must first “earn the trust of the company” before taking on greater responsibility. The long-term goal is for India to contribute more to Woodside’s global capabilities and decision-making.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.