Shell appoints Machteld de Haan to lead downstream and renewables
Photo courtesy of Shell plc

Shell appoints Machteld de Haan to lead downstream and renewables

Shell plc has announced changes to its Executive Committee, effective 1 April 2025, as part of its ongoing transformation to deliver more value with lower emissions. The changes follow the decision of Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions Director Huibert Vigeveno to step down after 30 years of service on 31 March 2025.

“I am grateful to Huibert for his outstanding contributions to Shell, driving our customer value proposition across a range of businesses and geographies, successfully leading the BG integration, and most importantly, for leading the transformation in Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions, through a disciplined focus on performance, portfolio and people. Today’s performance is testament to his leadership, and he leaves Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions strongly positioned for the future,” said Wael Sawan, Shell CEO.

To continue Shell’s strategic evolution, Andrew Smith will assume the role of director, Trading and Supply, while Machteld de Haan will take over as director, Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions, with both joining the Executive Committee.

Smith, who is currently executive vice president, Trading and Supply, brings extensive experience from his leadership roles in Australia, including managing Shell’s Liquid Natural Gas and Onshore Gas businesses. He joined Shell in 1986 as a refinery engineer and has worked across all integrated value chains. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Melbourne.

Currently executive vice president, Chemicals and Products, de Haan’s career with Shell spans geographically diverse roles in lubricants, mobility, and fleet solutions. She has held leadership positions such as CEO of Pennzoil Quaker State Company and executive vice president of Global Lubricants. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Economics from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.