Shell’s chief steps down, appoint renewables director as new CEO

Shell Plc, the British multinational oil and gas company, headquartered in London, England, revealed that its chief executive officer, Ben van Beurden, has stepped down from his post. The company made the announcement on Thursday, Sept. 15.

With Van Beurden’s departure, Shell has already appointed someone to take over his role. The company chose its current director of integrated gas, renewables and energy solutions, Wael Sawan, to be its next chief. He is set to assume his new role in the firm on Jan. 1, 2023.

The oil giant said that the outgoing CEO has been leading the company for almost a decade now. Van Beurden will be officially leaving at the end of this year.

It was said that the news of his departure emerged not long after it was rumored that Shell has been on a search for a successor who will replace its chief. The speculations started earlier this month when two sources who are familiar with the matter said that the company’s board committee on succession had met up a number of times in recent months to prepare for Van Beurden’s departure. The group was also said to have interviewed potential replacement candidates as well.

Now, it has been officially confirmed that Sawan will be promoted and take over early next year. The incoming chief is a Lebanese-Canadian and a veteran in the business. He already has a career at Shell spanning 25 years today. He held a number of executive roles in the company before the ultimate promotion to CEO.

“Wael Sawan is an exceptional leader, with all the qualities needed to drive Shell safely and profitably through its next phase of transition and growth,” Sir Andrew Mackenzie, Shell Plc’s chairman, said in a press release. “His track record of commercial, operational and transformational success reflects not only his broad, deep experience and understanding of Shell and the energy sector but also his strategic clarity.”

He added, “Wael combines these qualities with a passion for people, which enables him to get the best from those around him. The outcome of the Board’s managed succession process resulted both in the appointment of an outstanding CEO and proved the strength and depth of Shell’s leadership talent. I look forward to working with Wael as we accelerate the delivery of our strategy.”