(Corrects Voser's age to 54, not 55)
By Andrew Callus
LONDON, May 1 (Reuters) - Royal Dutch/Shell's 54-year old chief executive Peter Voser is to retire next yearin a surprise early departure he said was driven by a desire fora change of lifestyle.
Voser has run Europe's top oil company since 2009 and led itfrom sector laggard in the wake of the 2004 reserves crisis to aposition of sector leader in the burgeoning industry ofliquefied natural gas (LNG).
"After almost 10 years as CEO and CFO and more than 25 yearsin Shell, I have elected to retire in the first half of 2014,"Voser said in a statement on Thursday.
"After such an exciting executive career I feel it is timefor a change in my lifestyle and I am looking forward to havingmore time available for my family and private life in the yearsto come."
Shell, the last of the western world's top four oilcompanies to report results, joined its peers in delivering aresult that topped market expectations, thanks in part to strongrefining and trading performances, and despite productiontroubles in Nigeria.
Adjusted net profit on a current cost of supply basis roseto $7.5 billion in the quarter from $7.3 billion a year ago andcompared with expectations of around $6.5 billion.
Shell did not take a writedown on its unsuccessful Alaskandrilling programme as some analysts had expected. (Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)