Shell says Ben van Beurden to step down, names Wael Sawan as new CEO

LNG giant Shell said that its chief executive officer, Ben van Beurden, would step down at the end of 2022. The firm appointed Wael Sawan as the new CEO.

According to a statement by Shell, Wael’s appointment is effective January 1, 2023, when he will also join Shell’s board of directors.

Shell said Ben van Beurden would continue working as adviser to the board until June 30, 2023, after which he would leave the group.

Ben joined Shell in 1983. He has been Shell CEO since January 1, 2014.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to have served Shell for nearly four decades and to lead the company for the past nine years,” he said in the statement.

“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,” he said.

Shell says Ben van Beurden to step down, names Wael Sawan as new CEO
Wael Sawan (Image: Shell)

Sawan is currently Shell’s director integrated gas, renewables and energy solutions, and was previously the upstream director.

He is based in The Hague and has been a member of Shell’s executive committee for three years.

“I’m looking forward to channeling the pioneering spirit and passion of our incredible people to rise to the immense challenges, and grasp the opportunities presented by the energy transition,” Sawan said in the statement.

Most Popular

BP takes FID on Ginger gas project in Trinidad and Tobago

UK-based energy giant BP has taken the final investment decision on the Ginger gas development offshore Trinidad and Tobago.

Glenfarne becomes majority owner of Alaska LNG

US energy firm Glenfarne has signed definitive agreements with state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation to become the majority owner of the giant Alaska LNG export project.

Japan’s Tokyo Gas to expand LNG trading business

Japan’s city gas supplier and LNG importer, Tokyo Gas, plans to expand its liquefied natural gas trading business further, including in the US.

More News Like This

Shell seals LNG deal with India’s IRM Energy

A unit of UK-based LNG giant Shell has signed a five-year deal to supply regasified LNG to India's IRM Energy.

China’s SIPG eyes LNG bunkering vessel order

China’s terminal operator, Shanghai International Port (SIPG), is looking to order one large liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel, according to shipbuilding sources.

Shell CEO expects progress on Venture Global arbitration this year

Shell’s CEO Wael Sawan expects to have an update on an arbitration dispute with US LNG exporter Venture Global LNG later this year.

Shell plans to boost LNG sales by up to 5 percent per year

UK-based LNG giant Shell said on Tuesday it aims to reinforce its leadership position in liquefied natural gas by growing sales by 4-5 percent per year through to 2030.