HOUSTON -- Shell Oil Co. said that John D. Hofmeister will retire as president effective June 1, 2008, and that Marvin E. Odum, currently executive vice president for the Americas for Shell Exploration & Production, will succeed Hofmeister, while keeping his current operational role.
Hofmeister joined Shell in 1997 as director of human resources for the Shell Group, based in The Hague. He returned to the United States when he was named president of Houston-based Shell Oil Co. on March 1, 2005. In addition to his leadership at Shell, Hofmeister is chairman of the National Urban League [image-nocss] and former chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, one of the largest economic development organizations in the country.
"My voice will still be heard on issues that mean very much to me," said Hofmeister, 60. "I will continue to play an active role in helping our country find new solutions to our energy needs. I will also continue my civic work with the Urban League and Greater Houston Partnership, but with more time and capacity to make a difference. I have had a great career with Shell. It is time that I move beyond Shell to pursue important personal and business endeavors. I leave knowing that, in Marvin, there is strong leadership in place."
During his tenure as president, Hofmeister steered the company through the aftermath of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, which not only impacted thousands of employees and their families, but also threatened the U.S. energy supply. He also contributed greatly to helping the public understand the energy industry, launching a National Dialogue on Energy Security amid public frustration over rising gasoline prices.
Odum commented on his new role. "It is a privilege to be appointed president of Shell Oil Co. at a time when energy and environment are of critical importance to the American people. There is a lot of hard work ahead to deliver more affordable energy by finding and developing new resources, and making a responsible contribution to efforts to mitigate climate change. I look forward to leading the company during this important time. John Hofmeister served Shell Oil Co. and the industry with great leadership. During his tenure as president, he helped to put a human face on the industry. I join all Shell employees in wishing John and Karen a very happy retirement."
Odum, 49, is executive vice president for the Americas for Shell Exploration & Production. In this role, he has responsibility for Shell exploration and production businesses in the Western Hemisphere. He joined Shell as an engineer in 1982 and has held a range of management positions in technical and commercial operations. Odum assumed his present position in May 2005.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.