Steven Murray to head Higher Olefins and Derivatives Businesses

12-12-2005: Steven Murray has been named general manager for higher olefins and derivatives businesses for Shell Chemical LP, based in Houston. Since 2001 Murray has been president and CEO of Houston-based Shell Energy Services, a Shell Oil Company affiliate. Murray will remain in Houston and be responsible for the worldwide alpha olefins, detergent alcohol and ethoxylate businesses for the Shell Group.

Murray joined Shell shortly after graduating in 1981 and held various positions in trading, marketing and manufacturing. Though based in London for many years, he traveled extensively while working on Shell's widely spread crude oil interests in South America, the Far East, Africa and throughout Europe.

In 1994, Murray transferred to Houston to lead crude trading and supply efforts for Shell Oil Products US, where he was responsible for maintaining the supply needs of Shell's refining network. In 1997, he guided a cross-functional team, to review Shell's involvement in the gas and power value chains, which ultimately resulted in Shell increasing its commitment to these businesses.

In 1998, Murray was the first President and CEO of Shell Trading US Company, which traded crude oil and associated refined products in NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) markets. He held the position with Shell Trading until being appointed to Shell Energy Services.

Murray received a first-class honours degree from Edinburgh University in 1981, became a qualified professional chemical engineer and was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry during his time with Shell Manufacturing.