As one of Ampol's most senior executives, the termination of chief commercial officer Louise Warner's contract requires six months' notice, regardless of whether it's she or her employer who makes the decision to consciously uncouple.

But market observers doubt that's the only consideration that's behind her six-month gardening leave, announced on Monday along with news she'll be joining Alimentation Couche-Tard for a role in North America as early as she can.