Shell’s Corporate Shuffle

Shell’s Corporate Shuffle: Because Nothing Says “Transformation” Like Rearranging Deck Chairs on a Sinking Oil Tanker

LONDON, March 4, 2025 – In yet another thrilling episode of Shell’s ongoing greenwashing extravaganza, the oil giant has announced a shiny new restructuring plan that—spoiler alert—has absolutely nothing to do with cutting emissions and everything to do with maximizing profits.

According to CEO Wael Sawan, Shell’s latest corporate facelift will “deliver more value with less emissions.” Translation: expect more fossil fuel profits, fewer inconvenient environmental commitments, and a convenient shuffle of executives to make it all look intentional.

The Master Plan: Same Oil, New Job Titles

So, what’s the big change? Shell is “delayering” (yes, that’s the actual word they used) its leadership team, consolidating everything into three key money-making operations: Integrated Gas, Upstream, and Downstream, Renewables & Energy Solutions (aka “Let’s Pretend We Care About Renewables”). Also, Trading & Supply is getting elevated—because, of course, trading oil is where the real money is.

Meanwhile, Shell’s brilliant plan for reducing emissions? Funneling its technical divisions into “business lines” by 2026, presumably to make it even easier to ignore engineers when they point out how terrible an idea is.

And in a move of breathtaking corporate innovation, Shell has decided that instead of Directors, its top execs will now be called “Presidents” of their respective domains. Because, obviously, rebranding your executives will solve the climate crisis.

Another One Bites the Dust

As part of the overhaul, Zoë Yujnovich, Director of Integrated Gas and Upstream (and one of the few women in top leadership), is stepping down at the end of March. Shell is graciously allowing her to “assist with the transition” before booting her out the door. In her place, Cederic Cremers and Peter Costello will take over as President, Integrated Gas and President, Upstream. (Yes, the oil-drenched boys’ club remains intact.)

Sawan took a moment to shower Yujnovich with the usual corporate farewell nonsense, calling her “a leader with a strong sense of purpose” and claiming she “positions us strongly for the future.” Which is corporate speak for: “We’ll be fine without her.”

Shell’s Real Priority: Oil First, PR Later

Of course, this whole shuffle isn’t about efficiency or streamlining—it’s about doubling down on fossil fuels while maintaining just enough of a “renewable” facade to keep investors like BlackRock and Vanguard from looking too guilty about their holdings in one of the world’s biggest polluters.

Let’s not forget, Shell already walked back its green commitments under Sawan’s leadership. Its so-called “strategy shift” in 2023 was nothing more than a corporate cop-out to appease investors eager for bigger oil profits. Renewables? Too expensive. Green energy? A “low-margin business.” Cutting emissions? A minor inconvenience.

The Bottom Line: Business as Usual (With a Fresh Coat of Paint)

Shell is acting like this is some grand transformation, when in reality, it’s the same toxic, greedy, climate-wrecking empire it’s always been—just with a few new names on the org chart.

So what can we expect from this “next phase” of Shell’s evolution? More oil, more gas, more empty sustainability pledges, and a whole lot of PR spin.

But hey, at least the executives got fancy new titles. That’s what really matters, right?

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