Woods Bagot Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Woods Bagot has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational efficiency, global 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.

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 this architecture practice. Kay architects the long-term growth trajectory by aligning design innovation with the evolving needs of international clients. Overseeing the firm's diverse portfolio, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every project, from major transit hubs to convention centers, reflects a commitment to sustainability and community impact. Sarah Kay maintains close collaboration with the Board to refine market positioning and drive expansion across key global regions. By fostering a culture of creativity, the Chief Executive Officer empowers design teams to tackle complex urban challenges. This leadership role involves balancing artistic vision with commercial viability to secure the firm's status as a leader in the construction and architecture industry. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, Kay guarantees that the practice remains at the forefront of modern design excellence.
    Sarah Kay

    Matthew Canty - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Canty, the Chief Financial Officer at Woods Bagot, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy of the global architecture practice. Canty oversees capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the firm maintains robust liquidity for large-scale international projects. By analyzing market trends in the construction sector, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across various regional offices. Matthew Canty collaborates with executive leadership to assess the financial viability of new design ventures and long-term investments. This role requires precise management of cash flow and risk mitigation strategies to support the firm's ambitious architectural goals. Through diligent financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability necessary for the practice to pursue innovative, high-impact projects. Canty drives fiscal discipline while enabling the creative teams to push boundaries in sustainable design, ultimately securing the firm's competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

    Larisa Moran - Chief Operating Officer

    Larisa Moran, the Chief Operating Officer at Woods Bagot, directs the internal operational frameworks that support the firm's global design output. Moran architects efficient workflows across international studios to ensure seamless project delivery and high-quality architectural outcomes. Overseeing the integration of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines administrative processes and resource management to enhance productivity. Larisa Moran monitors operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and scalability. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to align daily operations with the firm's overarching strategic objectives. By optimizing the delivery of complex projects, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the practice meets client expectations for innovation and sustainability. Moran maintains a focus on operational excellence, allowing the firm to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing global construction landscape while delivering impactful, enduring spaces for diverse communities.

    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 the firm's architectural design capabilities. Ellul oversees the implementation of advanced design software, data security protocols, and collaborative platforms across all global studios. By integrating cutting-edge technology into the design process, the Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader enables teams to create more sustainable and efficient building solutions. Melissa Ellul drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the practice remains at the technological forefront of the architecture industry. This role involves managing complex IT systems and fostering a culture of digital literacy among staff. Through the deployment of innovative tools, the Chief Information Officer & Global Technology Leader supports the firm's mission to address modern urban challenges. Ellul ensures that technology serves as a catalyst for creativity, allowing the practice to deliver high-impact, future-ready projects worldwide.

    Ivy Yue - Fin

    Ivy Yue, the Fin at Woods Bagot, directs specialized financial analysis and reporting functions to support the firm's architectural operations. Yue architects detailed financial models that track the profitability and resource utilization of specific design projects. By providing granular insights into project-level economics, the Fin assists leadership in making data-driven decisions regarding resource allocation and market expansion. Ivy Yue monitors regional financial performance to ensure alignment with the firm's global fiscal objectives. This role involves collaborating with project managers to optimize budget adherence and cost efficiency throughout the design lifecycle. Through rigorous analysis of financial data, the Fin identifies trends that influence the firm's long-term sustainability and growth. Yue ensures that financial reporting remains accurate and transparent, providing the necessary foundation for the practice to continue delivering innovative, impactful spaces that address the needs of a rapidly changing world.

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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.