Darren Wayne Woods, the CEO of ExxonMobil, is one of the most prominent figures in the global energy industry. With a career spanning over three decades at ExxonMobil, Woods has played a vital role in shaping the company’s strategies and addressing challenges in the ever-changing energy landscape.
In this post, we’ll explore Darren Woods’ background, his leadership at ExxonMobil, his net worth, salary breakdown, and his contributions to the company. This blog is designed for readers seeking clear and detailed information about the ExxonMobil CEO, following Google’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) guidelines.
Who Is Darren Woods?
Darren Wayne Woods was born on December 16, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas, USA. He is currently 59 years old and has been the CEO of ExxonMobil since January 1, 2017.
Educational Background
Woods has an impressive academic background:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University (1987).
- MBA: Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management (1992).
His strong educational foundation in engineering and business has been instrumental in his success as a leader in the energy sector.
Career at ExxonMobil
Woods joined ExxonMobil in 1992 and steadily climbed the corporate ladder. His expertise in refining and chemical divisions played a key role in the company’s profitability before he became CEO.
- CEO: On January 1, 2017, Darren Woods succeeded Rex Tillerson as CEO of ExxonMobil.
- Chairman: He also assumed the role of Chairman of the Board on the same day.
Darren Woods’ Leadership at ExxonMobil
As CEO, Darren Woods has focused on expanding ExxonMobil’s operations, addressing environmental challenges, and navigating the company through economic fluctuations.
Key Contributions
Expansion Efforts:
- Woods led ExxonMobil’s growth in key areas, such as the Permian Basin and Bakken shale formations, boosting the company’s drilling operations.
- Environmental Initiatives:
- Publicly supported the Paris Agreement and urged the U.S. to remain committed to it.
- Advocated for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
- Called for higher carbon pricing to combat climate change.
- Challenges Faced:
- Criticized for ExxonMobil’s carbon emissions and lobbying against climate legislation.
- Named one of the “Top Climate Villains” by The Guardian in 2022.
Despite these challenges, Woods continues to lead ExxonMobil with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Darren Woods’ Net Worth and Salary
Darren Woods’ financial success reflects his leadership at one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Darren Woods’ estimated net worth is approximately $80 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his salary, bonuses, and ExxonMobil stock holdings.
Salary Breakdown
In 2023, Darren Woods’ total compensation was $36.9 million, marking a 3% increase from 2022.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of his 2023 compensation:
| Compensation Component | Amount (2023) | Details |
| Base Salary | $1.9 million | Fixed annual salary. |
| Stock Awards | $25 million | Equity-based compensation tied to company performance. |
| Performance-Based Bonus | $9.7 million | Incentives based on ExxonMobil’s financial and operational achievements. |
| Other Benefits | $297,295 | Includes residential security and other perks. |
| Relocation Expenses | $485,758 | Covered relocation to Spring, Texas after ExxonMobil’s office closure. |
Comparison with Median Pay
- Darren Woods’ compensation in 2023 was nearly 200 times the median pay of an ExxonMobil worker, which stood at $185,376.
- This CEO-to-median pay ratio highlights the significant financial rewards tied to leading a global corporation like ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil’s Financial Performance Under Darren Woods
Woods has guided ExxonMobil through periods of both record profits and economic challenges.
2023 Performance Highlights:
- Profit Decline: ExxonMobil’s profits dropped by about a third in 2023 compared to 2022, totaling $36 billion (down from $55.7 billion).
- Revenue Growth: Despite the decline in profits, the company continued to invest in strategic projects and sustainability initiatives.
Key Achievements:
Energy Transition:
- Woods emphasized the need to reduce costs for direct air capture (DAC) technology, making it scalable globally.
Sustainability Efforts:
- ExxonMobil expanded its investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, aligning with global climate goals.
Global Operations:
- Under Woods’ leadership, ExxonMobil strengthened its presence in international markets, ensuring long-term growth.
Why Does Darren Woods Earn So Much?
Darren Woods’ high compensation reflects his responsibilities as the CEO of a global energy giant.
Factors Contributing to His Salary:
Leadership During Challenges:
- Woods navigated ExxonMobil through volatile oil prices, economic downturns, and environmental scrutiny.
Strategic Vision:
- His focus on sustainability and innovation has positioned ExxonMobil as a key player in the energy transition. His efforts to balance profitability with environmental commitments have been widely recognized.
Shareholder Value:
- Woods’ leadership has ensured strong returns for shareholders, making him a valuable asset for the company.
Industry Benchmark:
- ExxonMobil’s compensation packages are designed to remain competitive with other oil and gas companies, ensuring they attract and retain top talent.
ExxonMobil CEO vs Other Oil Industry CEOs
Darren Woods’ compensation is among the highest in the oil and gas sector, but how does it compare to other industry leaders?
- Chevron CEO Michael Wirth:
- Total compensation in 2023: $26.5 million
- CEO-to-median worker pay ratio: 150-to-1
- Shell CEO Wael Sawan:
- Total compensation in 2023: Estimated at $22 million
- Focused on renewable energy investments and operational efficiency.
While Woods’ compensation is higher than his peers, it reflects ExxonMobil’s scale, global influence, and the challenges associated with leading such a massive organization.
Darren Woods’ Leadership Style and Vision
Darren Woods is known for his pragmatic and forward-thinking leadership style.
Key Traits:
Focus on Innovation:
- Woods has prioritized research and development (R&D) in carbon capture, hydrogen fuel, and renewable energy technologies.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- He actively engages with stakeholders, including governments, investors, and environmental groups, to address concerns and align ExxonMobil’s goals with global priorities.
Resilience:
- Woods has demonstrated resilience in the face of criticism, focusing on long-term strategies rather than short-term gains.
Vision for ExxonMobil:
- Transitioning to low-carbon energy solutions while maintaining profitability in traditional oil and gas operations.
- Expanding ExxonMobil’s role in global energy markets through innovation and strategic investments.
- Building a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the company’s operations.
Key Facts About Darren Woods and ExxonMobil
Here’s a quick summary of essential information about Darren Woods and his role at ExxonMobil:
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Darren Wayne Woods |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1965 (Age: 59) |
| Education | Electrical Engineering (Texas A&M University), MBA (Northwestern University) |
| Career at ExxonMobil | Joined in 1992; CEO and Chairman since January 1, 2017 |
| 2023 Total Compensation | $36.9 million |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $80 million |
| Key Achievements | Expansion of drilling operations, support for carbon capture technologies |
| Challenges Faced | Criticism for carbon emissions and climate lobbying |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is Darren Woods’ Net Worth?
Darren Woods’ estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately $80 million, primarily derived from salary, bonuses, and ExxonMobil stock holdings.
2. How Much Does Darren Woods Earn as ExxonMobil CEO?
In 2023, Darren Woods earned $36.9 million, including a base salary of $1.9 million, stock awards, and performance-based bonuses.
3. What Are Darren Woods’ Key Achievements as CEO?
Woods has expanded ExxonMobil’s drilling operations, supported carbon capture technologies, and emphasized sustainability while maintaining profitability.
4. How Does Darren Woods’ Salary Compare to Other CEOs?
Woods’ compensation is higher than many of his peers in the oil and gas industry, reflecting ExxonMobil’s scale and his leadership contributions.
5. What Is Darren Woods’ Vision for ExxonMobil?
Woods aims to transition ExxonMobil to low-carbon energy solutions while ensuring the company remains a leader in traditional oil and gas markets.
Conclusion
Darren Woods’ journey from an electrical engineering graduate to the CEO of ExxonMobil is a testament to his expertise, resilience, and leadership skills. Under his guidance, ExxonMobil has navigated complex challenges, from fluctuating oil prices to increasing environmental scrutiny.
While his compensation and net worth reflect his significant contributions to the company, they also highlight the immense responsibilities of leading a global energy giant.