Annita McCurdy is an ExxonMobil executive within the Ventures organization, where she leads a global team on a large project portfolio that encompasses manufacturing and logistic assets, supports integrated annual learning reviews, and provides strategic oversight.

McCurdy graduated in 2003 from the University of Edinburgh with an M.Eng. in chemical engineering and European studies. She completed a vacation placement at ExxonMobil Fawley in 2002, which triggered her enthusiasm for manufacturing operations. She officially began her career with ExxonMobil in 2003.

Over the next 20 years, McCurdy held a range of roles within ExxonMobil, including technical, manufacturing, optimization, and strategic planning positions. She has worked at sites across Europe and the United States, including ExxonMobil’s headquarters, consistently demonstrating her enthusiasm for developing people and promoting women’s talent.

McCurdy launched ExxonMobil’s Women’s Interest Network in Europe in 2009 and co-led the U.K. team, focusing on bringing people together to support women in reaching their full potential. She facilitated the global Women’s Leadership Team in the U.S. in 2015, spearheading several initiatives, including one aimed at driving a culture change around the inclusion of women within manufacturing to promote a “win together” work environment. This effort elevated the visible engagement of leaders who supported women in building their professional networks. Additionally, she served on the Society of Women Engineers advisory board for London in 2022.

McCurdy is committed to building strong networks of collaborators, encouraging mentors and mentees to give and receive feedback. She credits this with shaping the way she approaches leadership. As a champion of women in engineering and mentor to many, she strongly believes in the concept of paying it forward to help others reach their potential. Her mentees describe her leadership style as open, honest, direct, and accessible, praising her willingness to offer advice and prompt new ways of problem-solving. 

As part of the ExxonMobil Fawley site leadership team, McCurdy supported efforts to prioritize STEM initiatives that now reach more than 1,000 students annually. She has also been a strong advocate for revamping recruitment practices to attract more women and encouraging leaders to take ownership in enabling women’s success in a traditionally male-dominated workforce. These efforts include upgrading facilities and launching a Women’s Interest Network targeted at maintenance and operational workforces. 

McCurdy married in 2024 in her hometown of Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland. Her husband, Danny, also works for ExxonMobil. Together, they enjoy traveling, exploring, playing card games, and spending time with family and friends.