Shell names Voser as CEO designate

Royal Dutch Shell is promoting a two-decade veteran of the company to take over when its current chief executive steps down in July next year.

Peter Voser, who is currently the chief financial officer (CFO), will take over from Jeroen van der Veer as head of the world's second largest non-government controlled oil company after four years in which the Dutchman restored investor confidence after the reserves scandal that ousted his predecessor. Mr Voser is Swiss and it is the first time in the company's 101-year history that the chief executive will be neither Dutch nor English. The appointment followed a lengthy selection process which included Linda Cook, Shell's head of gas and power, and Malcolm Brinded, who runs its exploration and production operations.

In his time at Shell, Mr Voser has worked in Switzerland, Argentina, Chile and the UK. In March 2002 he left to become CFO at Asea Brown Boveri, returning two years later to take up the CFO role at Shell. He was also appointed to the board of directors at UBS in April 2005.

"Peter Voser has the experience, qualities and personal leadership to drive Shell forward, building on the strong position established by Jeroen van der Veer," Jorma Ollila, the Shell chairman said.