Shell Hires Chief IEA Economist in Climate Change Push

Royal Dutch Shell Plc has hired the chief economist at the International Energy Agency, weeks after the Paris-based body advocated to end oil and gas investments to meet climate change targets, in a sign that Big Oil is boosting its energy transition planning.

Laszlo Varro, who worked for the IEA for the last decade, will run Shell’s scenarios team, which produces long-term forecasts to advise senior management and the board. Varro will replace Jeremy Bentham who will retire after a 41-year career at the Anglo-Dutch major.

Shell confirmed the hire in response to questions. Varro didn’t reply to a ...