The Zhitong Finance App learned that British Petroleum (BP.US) announced on Wednesday the appointment of Emma Lewis to lead its downstream business. The veteran chemical executive comes from rival Shell (SHEL.US). The move comes at a time when BP CEO Meg O'Neill is seeking to strengthen the oil giant's refining and fuel business.

According to information, Lewis previously served as the executive vice president of Shell's chemical business and was responsible for leading the company's global industrial business. She will officially join British Petroleum on January 4, 2027, and until her arrival, Richard Harding will continue to serve as the company's interim executive vice president of downstream operations.

A Shell spokesperson said, “As Shell promoted structural improvements, Emma led our chemical business through a major transformation.”

Lewis joined Shell in 2012, having worked at ExxonMobil (XOM.US) for about 13 years.

When she joined British Petroleum, Shell was in in-depth discussions on the sale of its chemical assets. Shell CEO Wael Sawan once stated that this batch of chemical assets itself is highly qualified, but the British oil giant is not its most suitable long-term holder.

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