Wael Sawan

Wael Sawan is the Chief Executive Officer of Shell, a major European oil company. He assumed the role in 2023 and has since refocused the company on fossil fuels. Sawan is newsworthy due to the current energy crisis in Europe, exacerbated by the war in the Middle East, which has led to rising fuel prices and potential energy rationing. Recent reports indicate that Sawan's compensation package increased by 60% to nearly £14 million in 2025, despite a decline in Shell's profits. This increase has drawn attention amid concerns about rising pump prices and potential fuel shortages. Sawan's perspective on the energy transition, suggesting the narrative of a managed transition away from fossil fuels is over, is also significant in the context of the ongoing energy crisis and the role of oil companies.