(Corrects to read seven years, paragraph 1)
LONDON, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell's headof exploration Ceri Powell will step down next month, cappingseven years in the role marked by sharp cutbacks in thecompany's search for new oil and gas reserves amid theindustry's deep downturn since mid-2014.
Powell, a geologist who joined Shell in 1990, will depart onFebruary 13 and become managing director of Brunei ShellPetroleum the following month, according to a Shell spokeswoman.
Powell will be replaced by upstream strategy vice presidentMarc Gerrits, who started his career in Shell in 1986 as anexploration geologist in Australia. (Reporting by Ron Bousso; editing by Jason Neely)