Viva Energy Group Limited (ASX: VEA) is entering a new leadership chapter. The Company announced significant Viva Energy board changes that will take effect on 1 March 2026. Robert Hill, who has served as Chair for 10 years, will retire from his position. Dr Sarah Ryan has been appointed as Chair elect in this major Viva Energy board renewal.
Figure 1: Dr Sarah Ryan, incoming Chair of Viva Energy Group Limited [Viva Energy]
The Australian energy Company news includes Alistair Bell joining as an Independent Non-Executive Director. These Viva Energy board changes mark a significant transition for the Company as it navigates an evolving retail convenience and energy landscape. Viva Energy operates nearly 900 stores across Australia and runs the critical Geelong Refinery.
Dr Sarah Ryan Appointed as New Chair
Viva Energy has selected Dr Sarah Ryan to lead the board from 1 March 2026. This key element of the Viva Energy board renewal brings decades of energy sector experience to the leadership role. Dr Ryan currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Transurban, Aurizon Holdings, and Calix. She previously held board positions at Woodside Energy and OZ Minerals.
Dr Ryan joined the Viva Energy board in 2018. She brings over 30 years of executive experience across the international energy industry. She spent 15 years with Schlumberger in various leadership roles. Her background includes significant investment management experience covering global energy and natural resources. Dr Ryan is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
The Viva Energy board changes come as the Company transforms its business model. The Company acquired Coles Express in 2023 and OTR Group in 2024. These acquisitions established Viva Energy as a major convenience retailer alongside its traditional fuel operations. The Viva Energy board renewal positions the Company for its next growth phase.
Robert Hill Retires After Decade of Leadership at Viva Energy
Robert Hill served Viva Energy for 10 years as Director and Chair. His tenure included three years as Director of Viva Energy Holding before the Company’s ASX listing. This Australian energy Company news marks the end of an era as Hill guided the Company through significant transformation.
Figure 2: Robert Hill, outgoing Chair of Viva Energy Group Limited [Viva Energy]
Hill highlighted key achievements during his tenure on the Viva Energy board in the Viva Energy board renewal announcement. Viva Energy enhanced its scale and capability to become a leading convenience retailer. The Company diversified its earnings through major acquisitions. The Geelong Refinery was uplifted to global best practice with the Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline plant opening.
Hill noted Viva Energy’s role in Australia’s energy security. The Company is one of only two large-scale fuel manufacturers in Australia. Viva Energy demonstrated commitment to low-carbon fuels and opened Australia’s first hydrogen service station for heavy vehicles. The Viva Energy board changes ensure continuity during this critical period.
Alistair Bell Joins as Part of Viva Energy Board Changes
Viva Energy appointed Alistair Bell as Independent Non-Executive Director effective 1 March 2026. This addition forms a crucial part of the Viva Energy board changes announced today. Bell brings over 30 years of executive experience in international commercial and financial leadership. He most recently served as Group Chief Financial Officer for Metcash Limited and GrainCorp Limited.
Figure 3: Alistair Bell, incoming Independent Non-Executive Director of Viva Energy Group Limited [Metcash]
Bell is a qualified Chartered Accountant with broad sector experience. His background includes retail and consumer goods, agribusiness and food manufacturing, infrastructure and supply chain. He also has experience in property, travel and hotels, technology, and mining and metals sectors. The Australian energy Company news highlights Bell’s extensive credentials.
The Viva Energy board renewal strengthens financial and risk capabilities significantly. Bell’s retail sector experience aligns with Viva Energy’s strategic focus on convenience retail expansion. His operational background supports the Company’s integration of recent acquisitions. The Viva Energy board changes bring complementary skills to existing directors.
Business Performance Shows Mixed Results
Viva Energy reported financial results for the half year ended 30 June 2025. The Company delivered EBITDA of $304.9 million, down from $451.7 million in the prior corresponding period. The result reflected challenging market conditions and integration costs. This Australian energy Company news provides context for the leadership transition.
The Convenience and Mobility business delivered $74.4 million EBITDA. Second quarter performance improved to $46.4 million driven by better fuel margins. Commercial and Industrial maintained consistent performance with $237.9 million EBITDA. Energy and Infrastructure posted $18.4 million EBITDA, impacted by weak refining margins.
Viva Energy opened nine OTR stores during the half year period. Fifteen OTR stores were operating by mid-August. The Company expects to convert 50% of the Reddy Express network by end of 2028. Integration efforts continue to deliver expected synergies and cost reductions under the current board’s guidance.
Industry Outlook
Australia’s fuel and convenience retail sector is consolidating rapidly. Major operators are acquiring regional chains to gain scale and market presence. The sector faces changing consumer preferences and energy transition pressures. Convenience retail margins are becoming increasingly important as fuel volumes stabilise.
Energy security remains a critical national priority. Australia relies on only two large-scale fuel manufacturers for domestic supply. Investment in refinery upgrades and low carbon fuel capability supports long-term supply security. Government policy settings continue to shape industry investment decisions in this evolving landscape.
Share Price Reflects Market Caution
Viva Energy shares closed at $1.985 on recent trading according to market data. The Company’s market capitalisation stands at approximately $3.28 billion. The 52-week trading range spans $1.410 to $2.830 per share. The Australian energy Company news of board changes comes during this challenging market period.
Figure 4: Viva Energy Group Limited share price performance over the past year [ASX]
The share price reflects market concerns about integration challenges and refining margin volatility. The Company reported net debt of $1.95 billion as at 30 June 2025. Gearing sits at 1.66 times, slightly above the target range. Viva Energy paid an interim dividend of 2.83 cents per share for the first half.
The Viva Energy board renewal comes as the Company navigates this challenging period. New leadership will oversee the completion of major capital Projects. The Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline Project is expected to be commissioned in October 2025. The Company targets reduced gearing toward 2.0 times by end of FY2027.
FAQ
Q1. When do the Viva Energy board changes take effect?
Ans. The Viva Energy board changes take effect on 1 March 2026. Dr Sarah Ryan becomes Chair and Alistair Bell joins as Independent Non-Executive Director on that date.
Q2. Who is replacing Robert Hill as Chair of Viva Energy?
Ans. Dr Sarah Ryan is replacing Robert Hill as Chair of Viva Energy. She has served on the Viva Energy board since 2018 and brings over 30 years of energy sector experience.
Q3. What experience does the new Viva Energy board bring?
Ans. The Viva Energy board renewal brings deep energy sector experience through Dr Sarah Ryan and extensive financial expertise through Alistair Bell. Dr Ryan has held board positions at Woodside Energy and OZ Minerals.
Q4. How is Viva Energy performing under current board leadership?
Ans. Viva Energy reported EBITDA of $304.9 million for the first half of 2025. The Company is integrating major acquisitions, including Coles Express and OTR Grou,p while maintaining operations.
