Shell restructures Executive Committee to drive transformation
Shell plc has announced significant changes to its Executive Committee as part of its ongoing transformation to streamline operations and enhance business value. The restructuring aims to support Shell’s strategy of delivering greater value with lower emissions by simplifying leadership layers and aligning key business areas.
Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan highlighted the company’s progress in stabilising operations and improving performance over the past two years. “Now is the right time to begin the next phase of our transformation,” he stated. “We will delayer our senior leadership structure to better reflect our three core business areas: Integrated Gas; Upstream; and Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions. Trading and Supply will also be elevated as a key enabler across the organisation.”
Additionally, Shell plans to integrate its technical divisions within its business lines by the first half of 2026, a move designed to bring technical expertise closer to where value is generated.
Leadership changes
As part of the transition, Zoë Yujnovich, director of Integrated Gas and Upstream, will step down on 31 March 2025 after over a decade with Shell. She will assist in the transition before leaving the company.
From 1 April 2025, Cederic Cremers will assume the role of president, Integrated Gas, while Peter Costello will become president, Upstream. Both will join the Executive Committee.
Sawan expressed appreciation for Yujnovich’s contributions, stating, “Zoë’s outstanding impact as a leader leaves a lasting legacy and positions us strongly for the future. Her hallmark is a strong sense of purpose and deep engagement with our front-line staff, communities and host governments. I wish Zoë success in all that lies ahead and welcome Cederic and Peter to the Executive Committee.”
New leadership structure
From April 2025, senior leaders within the Executive Committee will adopt the title of “President” for their respective business areas, rather than “Director”. Functional leaders will be designated as “Chief Officers” of their respective functions.
Key leadership appointments include:
- Robin Mooldijk remains president, Projects and Technology.
- Sinead Gorman continues as chief financial officer.
- Rachel Solway retains her role as chief human resources and corporate officer.
- Philippa Bounds continues as chief legal officer.
- Andrew Smith and Machteld de Haan will join the Executive Committee as president, Trading and Supply, and president, Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions, respectively, from 1 April 2025.
Despite these structural changes, Shell confirmed that its financial reporting segments will remain unchanged.
