Incoming Shell CEO has ‘most challenging job in history’ of oil giant

Follow This has been quick to remind Wael Sawan of the need for the oil and gas giant to “drastically” cut its emissions, describing the task as the “most challenging job” in the history of the company.

It was revealed on Thursday that Mr Sawan will take over from longstanding CEO, Ben van Beurden at the turn of the year.

During his nine years in charge, Mr van Beurden presided over several significant moments Shell’s history against a backdrop of highs and lows for the oil and gas industry.

Hague court ruling

Among the key milestones of his tenure was a decision by a Dutch court in 2021 to order the company to cut its emissions by 45% by 2030.

The ruling was help up as a watershed moment by climate groups, though Shell (LON: SHEL) subsequently appealed the verdict.

While the appeal is likely to remain tied up in the courts for the foreseeable future, it is a relic from his predecessor that Mr Sawan will likely have to combat at some point.

Mark van Baal, founder of activist shareholder group Follow This, said: “Wael Sawan has the most challenging job in the history of Shell: drastically reducing emissions by 2030 as more and more investors request and the Dutch judge has ordered. If he stays CEO as long as Van Beurden, this will be within his tenure, in 2030.

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