Shell (LON: SHEL) has appointed Sinead Gorman as its new chief financial officer (CFO), replacing incumbent Jessica Uhl.
Ms Uhl has spent the last five years as CFO, as part of a 17-year career with Shell, working as a “key architect” of recent changes including simplification of the company structure and moving headquarters to the UK.
However she will be stepping down from her role in March 31 due to the relocation of its main corporate base from the Netherlands to London.
The long-term relocation to the UK is not sustainable due to Ms Uhl’s family circumstances, the company said.
Sinead Gorman is a British national and is currently executive vice president of finance in Shell’s global upstream business.
She started her career as a civil engineer before moving into finance when she joined Shell in 1999 and has since held several increasingly senior roles for the energy major globally.
Shell chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie said: “I am delighted to welcome Sinead to the leadership of our company.
“She combines broad finance, trading, new business development and capital projects experience with a deep knowledge of Shell, and a strong commercial and external focus.
“I look forward to working with her in the execution of our strategy to accelerate Shell’s transition to a net-zero emissions energy business purposefully and profitably.”
Outgoing Ms Uhl will be available to advise Ms Gorman and the Shell board until June 30, after which she will leave the group.
Ms Uhl said: “Jessica Uhl said: “It has been an immense privilege to contribute to Shell’s leadership as we sought to reposition Shell for the future. Our forward thinking on the energy transition and firm commitment to reflect our principles and values in all we do made each day meaningful. I look forward to seeing what Shell achieves, knowing that the company is in very good hands.”
Sir Andrew added: The Board is immensely grateful to Jessica for her tremendous contribution to the company over many years, but particularly as CFO and especially during the past two years as we successfully tackled the many challenges presented by the pandemic.
“She has been instrumental in strengthening Shell’s financial position, putting in place measures to secure the company’s long-term health while delivering industry leading cash flows year on year.
Jessica has been an exemplary ambassador for Shell and the company’s strength today is testament to her professionalism, resolve and values-driven leadership.”