For once, a huge company has changed CEOs on schedule, without scandal or the trigger of poor financial performance. Royal Dutch Shell PLC (NYSE: RDS-B) appointed its refining boss as the new chief, effective January 1.

The oil firm said:

The Board of Royal Dutch Shell plc today announced that Ben van Beurden will succeed Peter Voser as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2014.  Peter Voser will leave Shell at the end of March 2014, marking the end of 29 years with the Company.

Peter Voser will leave Shell at the end of March 2014, marking the end of 29 years with the Company.

Van Beurden, 55, has been Downstream Director since January 2013.

“I am delighted to announce Ben van Beurden as the next Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell,” said Chairman Jorma Ollila. “Ben has deep knowledge of the industry and proven executive experience across a range of Shell businesses. Ben will continue to drive and further develop the strategic agenda that we have set out, to generate competitive returns for our shareholders.”

“Van Beurden’s selection came after a comprehensive assessment and review of internal and external candidates led by the Board Nomination and Succession Committee,” Ollila added.

Van Beurden joined the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies in 1983 and has held a number of technical and commercial roles in both the Upstream and Downstream businesses. He has worked in The Netherlands, Africa, Malaysia, USA and, most recently, the UK.

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