Gas giant Shell has announced that its chief executive officer, Ben van Beurden, will step down at the end of 2022. The firm has appointed Wael Sawan as the new CEO.
In a statement, Shell commented that Wael’s appointment is effective January 1, 2023, when he will also join the board of directors at the company.
Ben van Beurden will continue working as an adviser to the board until June 30, 2023, when he is to leave the group.
Sawan is currently in the position of director of integrated gas, renewables and energy solutions, and previously worked as the upstream director. ‘I’m looking forward to channelling the pioneering spirit and passion of our incredible people to rise to the immense challenges, and grasp the opportunities presented by the energy transition,’ he says.
Ben van Beurden comments: ‘It has been a privilege and an honour to have served Shell for nearly four decades and to lead the company for the past nine years. In my journey from LNG design engineer to CEO, I have been fortunate to work alongside so many talented people from diverse backgrounds – all committed to the company’s goal of providing the world with the essential commodities of modern life. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. I have great confidence in Wael as my successor. He is a smart, principled and dynamic leader, who I know will continue to serve Shell with conviction and dedication. I wish him and his family all the best for the journey ahead.’
