Woods Bagot Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woods Bagot has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, and financial planning.

Driven by a commitment to architectural innovation, Woods Bagot designs enduring spaces that address global challenges while fostering community resilience through sustainable, forward-thinking, and collaborative design practices across international markets.

Leadership Roles at Woods Bagot

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sarah Kay
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Canty
  • Chief Operating Officer - Larisa Moran
  • Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader - Melissa Ellul
  • Fin - Ivy Yue
  • Sarah Kay - Chief Executive Officer

    Sarah Kay, the Chief Executive Officer at Woods Bagot, directs the global strategic vision for the architecture practice. Kay oversees the alignment of design excellence with client objectives, ensuring every project addresses the complexities of a rapidly changing world. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer drives the firm toward impactful outcomes in major urban developments. Sarah Kay maintains focus on long-term growth and sustainability, guiding the organization through diverse international markets. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to refine the overarching mission, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of architectural innovation. Through rigorous leadership, Kay secures the firm's reputation for creating resilient spaces that inspire future generations. This executive role demands constant vigilance regarding market shifts and design trends, which Kay manages with precision to maintain the competitive edge of the practice.
    Sarah Kay

    Matthew Canty - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Canty, the Chief Financial Officer at Woods Bagot, governs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the global architecture practice. Canty oversees capital management, budgeting, and investment planning to support the firm's long-term growth objectives. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes market trends to mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale construction projects. Matthew Canty ensures that financial reporting remains transparent and accurate, providing the board with critical insights for strategic decision-making. By optimizing the firm's financial structure, the Chief Financial Officer enables the pursuit of innovative design initiatives that define the practice. Canty manages relationships with stakeholders, ensuring fiscal alignment with the firm's mission of creating impactful, sustainable spaces. This leadership role requires balancing immediate project profitability with the broader goal of maintaining a robust financial foundation for future architectural endeavors across diverse global regions.

    Larisa Moran - Chief Operating Officer

    Larisa Moran, the Chief Operating Officer at Woods Bagot, manages the internal operational frameworks that support global design delivery. Moran optimizes resource allocation across regional studios, ensuring project teams possess the necessary tools to execute complex architectural visions. The Chief Operating Officer streamlines workflows to enhance efficiency, directly impacting the firm's ability to meet ambitious project timelines. Larisa Moran monitors operational performance metrics, identifying opportunities for process improvement within the construction and design lifecycle. By coordinating cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational standards remain consistent with the firm's commitment to quality and sustainability. Moran facilitates communication between departments to maintain organizational agility. This leadership role involves scaling internal systems to support the firm's expanding portfolio, ensuring that operational capacity matches the creative output required for high-profile international projects.

    Melissa Ellul - Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader

    Melissa Ellul, the Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader at Woods Bagot, architects the digital infrastructure that powers modern architectural design. Ellul directs the implementation of advanced technology solutions, including BIM and collaborative software, to enhance design precision. The Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader ensures that the firm's digital tools support the creation of innovative, sustainable spaces. Melissa Ellul manages cybersecurity protocols and data integrity across all global studios, protecting the firm's intellectual property. By integrating emerging technologies into the design process, the Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader drives efficiency and creativity. Ellul collaborates with design teams to leverage data-driven insights, ensuring that technological capabilities remain aligned with the firm's commitment to forward-thinking architecture. This role involves continuous evaluation of the digital landscape to maintain the firm's technological advantage in a competitive global market.

    Ivy Yue - Fin

    Ivy Yue, the Fin at Woods Bagot, manages specialized financial planning and analysis for the firm's diverse project portfolio. Yue monitors project-specific budgets, ensuring that financial resources align with the unique requirements of complex architectural designs. The Fin tracks expenditure patterns to optimize cost-efficiency during the construction phase. Ivy Yue provides detailed financial forecasting, allowing the firm to allocate capital effectively across various regional operations. By analyzing project performance data, the Fin supports the leadership team in making informed decisions regarding resource distribution. Yue maintains rigorous oversight of financial compliance, ensuring that all project-related transactions adhere to internal standards. This leadership role involves close collaboration with project managers to ensure that financial targets are met without compromising the quality or sustainability of the final design outcomes. Yue contributes to the firm's overall fiscal stability through meticulous financial oversight.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Woods Bagot Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Woods Bagot?
    Woods Bagot is led by Sarah Kay (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Canty (Chief Financial Officer) and Larisa Moran (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Woods Bagot’s executive team?
    The executive team of Woods Bagot includes leaders such as Sarah Kay (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Canty (Chief Financial Officer), Larisa Moran (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Woods Bagot have?
    Woods Bagot has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Woods Bagot’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Woods Bagot includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader, Fin.