Shell appoints Wael Sawan as Upstream Director

In his new role, taking effect from 1st July 2019, Wael will become a member of the Executive Committe.

Wael Sawan will take over from Andy Brown, who will remain available to Wael and the Executive Committee to assist with transition until 30th September 2019 and will then leave the company after 35 years’ distinguished service.

Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive said: “I am grateful to Andy for his strong leadership of the Upstream business, particularly having improved business performance during the recent years of low oil price. Through his disciplined focus on efficiency, portfolio optimization, safety and talent development he leaves our Upstream business fit for the future.”

In the course of his leadership of Shell’s business in Qatar he was awarded an OBE by the British government in 2012 recognizing his service to Qatari-British business relations.

Wael is a Canadian citizen of Lebanese origin and currently Executive Vice President Deepwater. He joined Shell in 1997 and has held a variety of commercial and operational leadership roles across the Upstream, Integrated Gas and Downstream businesses. Wael holds a Masters in Chemical Engineering from McGill University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.