Michael O’Dwyer

Michael O'Dwyer has been hired as Chief Investment Officer of Abu Dhabi state energy firm ADNOC, where he will support the company's expansion efforts at home and abroad. ADNOC is accelerating expansion through its XRG investment arm and is chasing acquisitions in gas, chemicals and shipping to grow production, refining and trading following the UAE's exit from OPEC.

O'Dwyer has worked for Morgan Stanley since 2008, joining from Lehman Brothers. He previously worked as Managing Director at both Morgan Stanley and Lehman Brothers, and has also worked for Eni. Most recently, he served as Morgan Stanley's global co-head of energy before his appointment at ADNOC.

Education & Expertise

O'Dwyer holds an MBA from London Business School. His expertise spans investment banking, corporate finance, capital markets, valuation, and leveraged buyouts. He is recognized as an investment banking veteran with deep knowledge of joint ventures and complex deal structures, and has contributed thought leadership on merger and acquisition strategy.

Career History

• Chief Investment Officer, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) — 2026–present
• Global Co-Head of Energy, Morgan Stanley — 2008–2026
• Managing Director, Lehman Brothers
• Eni

What O'Dwyer could bring to ADNOC: O'Dwyer's 18-year career at Morgan Stanley, including 15+ years as global co-head of energy investment banking, positions him to lead ADNOC's aggressive M&A strategy. His experience advising on mega-deals in the energy sector—including transactions in oil, gas, chemicals, and power—directly aligns with ADNOC's pursuit of acquisitions across multiple energy verticals. His expertise in structuring complex joint ventures and cross-border energy transactions will be valuable as ADNOC expands its portfolio globally and navigates strategic opportunities in emerging energy markets.