BP taps Shell's Emma Lewis to head downstream business
BP•BP appointed Emma Lewis, most recently Shell’s executive vice president of chemicals, to lead its downstream business. She will join on January 4, 2027, with Richard Harding remaining interim head until then.
1. Lewis to join BP
BP appointed Emma Lewis to lead its downstream business, hiring her from rival Shell as CEO Meg O'Neill seeks to strengthen the oil major's refining and fuels business. Lewis will join BP on January 4, 2027, and Richard Harding will continue as interim executive vice president of the business until she arrives.
2. Shell and Exxon experience
Lewis most recently led Shell’s global chemicals business as executive vice president, chemicals. She joined Shell in 2012 after about 13 years at ExxonMobil. A Shell spokesperson said Lewis had steered its chemicals business through significant change as the company delivers structural improvements.
3. Shell asset discussions
Shell is in discussions on the sale of its chemical assets. CEO Wael Sawan has said the assets are good, but that Shell is not their natural owner.
