Shell seeks to retain investor confidence by emphasising oil and gas. Credit: Shell.

Shell’s head of renewable generation, Thomas Brostrom, is leaving the company amid a scaling back of its energy transition plans.  

Brostrom is leaving the oil major after less than two years “to pursue an external opportunity”, according to an email seen by Power Technology. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Shell’s CEO Wael Sawan has revised the company strategy to focus on shareholder return. According to the company, the renewable transition must be paired with higher earnings. 

Sawan announced a switch back to oil and gas production on 14 June while reducing investment in renewables. Sawan was under pressure from investors to focus on profitability.   

Brostrom joined Shell in August 2021 from Danish renewables leader Ørsted to head offshore wind. Under previous CEO Ben van Beurden the company planned to expand its wind and solar and cut greenhouse gases. 

Shell has conducted a restructuring drive, effective from 1 July. Brostrom’s former role will no longer exist; instead, renewables production will be overseen by the regional heads of Shell Energy, reporting to executive vice-president Steve Hill. Greg Joiner will take over the role of senior vice-president for Shell Energy Europe, shifting from his current job as vice-president of Shell Energy Australia. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Last week Shell power trader Steffen Krutzinna also decided to leave the company due to the change in renewables strategy. Krutzinna accused the company of “softening” its renewable commitments. 

“I perceive that as pivotal shift in corporate values,” said Krutzinna in a LinkedIn post. “I don’t want to be part of that, so I’m out.” 

Despite announcing the shift in policy, Shell says it remains committed to reaching net zero by 2050. “But we also made clear that we must bring our investors along with us on this journey, and that means ensuring we are clearly focused on capital discipline, enhanced performance and delivering shareholder value,” the company said in an email seen by reporters.