Darren Wayne Woods (born December 16, 1965)[1] is an American businessman who is the chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of ExxonMobil since January 1, 2017.

[8] At an investor meeting in New York in 2017, Woods outlined his growth plan including drilling in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico and the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota.

He says that by remaining a party to the accords the U.S. will have a seat at the table to "ensure a level playing field" and support "the most cost-effective greenhouse gas reduction options".

"[12] Woods claimed in an interview with CNBC journalist David Faber in June 2022 that part of ExxonMobil's long-term strategy to remain a profitable company while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution was to invest in carbon capture and storage technology with a network hub in Houston and to remain a plastics producer while making changes to waste management.

[16] On December 8, 2023, Woods attended the Chemical Marketing & Economics gala in New York City, to be honored with a "STEM leadership award" for "harnessing the transformative power of chemistry to advance humanity".

[20] In November 2024, Woods stated in an interview that the second Trump administration should not withdraw from the Paris Agreement and that ExxonMobil company investments in CCS and DAC would change if tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act are repealed or reduced.