Hilary Ware is a distinguished executive leader with a four-decade track record of driving enterprise transformation across industries. Known for her ability to challenge norms and introduce innovative strategic initiatives, Hilary has been a sought-after advisor for organizations undertaking large-scale change. She has consistently played a pivotal role in guiding boardrooms, executive teams, and organizations toward sustainable growth, operational excellence, and cultural transformation.
Throughout her career, Hilary has been a trusted partner to compensation and governance committees, serving as a key advisor in board deliberations on CEO succession, executive compensation, and other human capital strategies. As a standing attendee of Governance/Nomination and Compensation Committees, she has provided critical insights that have shaped the leadership and strategic direction of major corporations. Her ability to engage executive teams in imagining what’s possible ensures that organizations maximize shareholder value while fostering an empowered and inclusive workforce.
Hilary’s transformative leadership was instrumental in Cheniere Energy’s emergence as the world’s leading producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). As Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), she led the company’s organizational expansion, growing the workforce fivefold while maintaining high retention and engagement. Under her leadership, Cheniere established a robust talent pipeline, succession planning frameworks, and a culture of innovation, resilience, and performance. Additionally, her stewardship in crisis response, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, solidified her reputation as a leader who thrives in high-stakes environments.
Prior to Cheniere, Hilary served as Chief Administrative Officer at Bristow Group, a $1.2 billion industrial aviation provider. She spearheaded the company’s cultural transformation, shifting it from a regionalized operation to a globally integrated organization. By implementing strategic workforce initiatives, introducing new business lines, and launching an award-winning leadership development program, Hilary played an essential role in Bristow’s global expansion and operational maturity. She worked closely with board leadership on executive succession planning and governance initiatives, ensuring stability and long-term sustainability.
Her leadership roles at BHP Billiton, Hanover Compressor, and BP involved driving business turnarounds, leading large-scale HR transformations, and executing successful M&A integrations. As Vice President of HR Americas at BHP, she led the realignment of upstream petroleum HR processes and policies, ensuring a streamlined and high-performing workforce. At Hanover Compressor, she designed a world-class HR infrastructure that significantly improved retention, leadership development, and operational efficiency.
Beyond corporate leadership, Hilary is deeply committed to mentorship, career development, and community impact. She currently serves on the boards of Genesys Works, the Susan G. Komen Council, and The Immunization Partnership, where she also chairs the Internal Affairs Committee. As a board advisor to Lean In Equity & Sustainability and an executive committee member at UpSkill Houston, she actively contributes to workforce development and talent pipeline growth. She is also a board advisor to the woman’s home. Hilary sits on the Presidents Council for Methodist Hospital and provides Volunteer services for MD Anderson and The Lung Transplant Foundation. Her dedication to DEI and corporate governance has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the ExxonMobil Power Play Conqueror Award, Top 100 Women in Business, and 100 Most Influential Women in Energy.
Hilary’s leadership philosophy centers around Servant Leadership guiding individuals and organizations through transition with clarity, resilience, and purpose. She is a certified transition coach, helping individuals navigate life transitions and consults on a number of key business transformation projects through her advisory roles at MyNextSeason and her independent consulting practice. Her expertise in coaching, transformations and change management enables her to empower leaders at all levels, equipping them with the tools to drive impact and lead with confidence.
An inspirational thought leader, Hilary regularly engages with industry forums and leadership panels, sharing her insights on corporate transformation, governance, and talent strategy. Her ability to translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies has made her a trusted voice in the industry. She continues to be a driving force in reshaping the future of work, advocating for leadership excellence, cultural evolution, and business agility.
Hilary’s academic background in industrial psychology from UC Berkeley, supplemented by coursework at the University of San Francisco and Oxford University, England, has provided her with a strong foundation in human behavior, organizational strategy, and leadership effectiveness. Her ability to bridge business strategy with people-centric solutions has been a hallmark of her career, enabling her to create environments where both companies and individuals thrive.
With an unwavering commitment to transformation, governance, and talent development, Hilary Ware remains a force in shaping organizations for long-term success. Whether advising boards, coaching executives, or driving enterprise-wide change, her influence is felt across industries, making her an invaluable leader in today’s evolving corporate landscape.
Character:
Hilary Ware is a visionary servant leader known for her integrity, resilience, and ability to inspire meaningful transformation. She prioritizes people-centric leadership, fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures that drive long-term success.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of experience spanning corporate governance, human capital strategy, technology and business transformation, Hilary brings deep expertise in shaping organizations for growth. Her background in industrial psychology and executive leadership enables her to bridge strategic vision with business transformation.
Strategic:
Hilary excels at designing and executing large-scale change initiatives that enhance business performance and shareholder value. She has successfully led organizational turnarounds, global expansions, and leadership transitions across energy industries.
Communication:
As a trusted advisor and executive coach, Hilary translates complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that resonate with boardrooms and leadership teams. Her ability to engage, mentor, and communicate effectively has made her a sought-after thought leader in corporate transformation and governance.
