LONDON, May 2 (Reuters) - Europe's top oil company RoyalDutch Shell said on Thursday that its chief executivesince 2009, Peter Voser, would retire next year as it reportedfirst quarter results that beat expectations.
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.