Royal Dutch Shell taps former BHP CEO for chairman

Oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell said on Thursday that former BHP chief executive Andrew Mackenzie would take over as chairman following the group's May annual general meeting.

Mackenzie will succeed Chad Holliday, who will step down on 18 May after having served as chairman for six years and as a board director for more than a decade.

Shell stated the selection of Mackenzie was the result of a "thorough and robust process", which included engagement with some of its larger investors as the firm sought input on the skills, attributes and sector knowledge that they considered important for the role.

Chief executive Ben van Beurden said: "We are emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic with a clear and distinct strategy that I believe will enable us to seize the opportunities presented by the energy transition. I cannot think of anyone better than Andrew to take this role."

As of 0830 GMT, Shell shares were up 1.02% at 1,580.80p.