(Alliance News) -Â Royal Dutch Shell PLC said on Friday it has appointed Huibert Vigeveno as director of its Downstream unit, effective from the start of 2020.
Vigeveno will become a member of the executive committee and will succeed John Abbott, who will remain available to assist with the transition until March 31 before leaving the company "after 38 years' distinguished service".
Vigeveno is currently executive vice president global commercial at the oil major. He joined Shell in 1995 and has held a variety of roles across Europe, the Americas and Asia, including three years as the executive chair of Shell China Ltd.
Abbott has served as head of Shell's Downstream operations since 2014.
For Shell's recently-reported third quarter results, the Downstream unit reported current cost of supply earnings excluding items of USD2.15 billion for the three months to September 30, up 7% year-on-year.
Ben van Beurden, chief executive, said: "I am grateful to John for his strong leadership of the Downstream business, and particularly for having strengthened its performance and portfolio. Over many years he has delivered critical contributions to the Shell Group across a range of businesses and geographies. Through his determined efforts, underpinned by a focus on strengthening safety leadership and people development he leaves our Downstream business well positioned for the future."
By Lucy Heming;Â lucyheming@alliancenews.com
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