Shell revamps technology delivery

Senior management shake-up to create new projects and technology unit

Shell looks to speed up decision making

Oil group Shell is to undergo a major internal reorganisation which will see the creation of a new business unit charged with delivering its major projects and technology.

Shell's incoming chief executive, Peter Voser, takes the reins on 1 July, and has set about stamping his mark on the company with a major overhaul.

As part of that, Shell is creating a projects and technology unit, which will be run by Matthias Bichsel.

The unit will combine all Shell's major project delivery, technical services and upstream and downstream technology. It will also oversee Shell's safety and environmental activities.

Bichsel has served as executive vice president of exploration development and technology since March 2006, with responsibility for the provision of technology applications for the firm's upstream activities.

Bichsel joined Shell in 1980, having obtained a doctorate in earth sciences from the University of Basle, Switzerland.

"The changes we have announced will have a major impact on the organisation. We will speed up our decision making, and increase both personal responsibility and personal accountability," said Voser.

Last year, Shell signed $4bn (£2.5bn)-worth of IT services outsourcing contracts, covering functions such as desktop support and a deployment of voice over IP systems to remote offices, intending to free up IT staff to concentrate on core business initiatives.

Those deals also involved the transfer of 3,000 staff to IT services suppliers, which include EDS, AT&T and T-Systems.