Upstream director out the door as Shell seeks to ‘delayer’ top management

UK-headquartered energy giant Shell has announced leadership changes which entail the stepping down of its Integrated Gas and Upstream Director.

The UK major’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Zoë Yujnovich, is set to step down effective March 31, 2025, followed by her leaving the group. According to Shell, the changes to its executive committee and leadership structure are meant to support its strategy to deliver more value with less emissions.

Yujnovich joined Shell from Rio Tinto in 2014 to lead its Oil Sands business in Canada. She held various management positions in Downstream, Integrated Gas, and Upstream, with her tenure as Upstream Director starting in October 2021.

Cederic Cremers was appointed President of Integrated Gas, and Peter Costello President of Upstream, with both joining the Executive Committee effective April 1, 2025.

As stated by Shell’s Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan, the firm has made “significant” progress in the last two years building stability with a track record of what he says is strong performance and active portfolio management, while simplifying business. He believes now is the right time to begin the next phase of the company’s transformation. 

“Going forward, we will delayer our most senior leadership structure to reflect the three primary areas of business value – Integrated Gas; Upstream; and Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions, whilst also elevating Trading and Supply, which is a key enabler across the organisation,” noted Sawan. 

“In the first half of 2026, we will also integrate the technical divisions, that today make up our Projects and Technology directorate, into our business lines. This further simplification will empower our businesses by bringing these technical capabilities closer to where we generate value.”

Shell’s CEO expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Upstream Director’s contribution to shaping the company strategy, underlining her strong sense of purpose. He wished Yujnovich success in her future endeavors and welcomed Cremers and Costello to the Executive Committee.

Apart from management changes, the supermajor has been busy with major developments around the globe. Last week it was announced that an LNG cargo would be delivered at LNG Canada’s marine terminal in Kitimat for equipment testing in early April 2025.

This is seen as a milestone for the startup of the Shell-led LNG Canada project, described as one of the largest energy projects in Canadian history.

Before that, Shell struck a deal to acquire interests in Ursa and Europa fields in the Gulf of America / Gulf of Mexico, including Ursa Oil Pipeline Company, from ConocoPhillips.