Royal Dutch Shell has announced its chemicals chief will be the new man in charge of downstream operations.

Ben van Beurden will become Downstream Director, effective January 1st 2013, and will take a seat on the company's Executive Committee.

Downstream operations include those closer to the point of sale, such as refining and distribution, rather than exploration and production activities, which are classified as upstream.

Van Beurden, Shell's Executive Vice President Chemicals since 2006, joined Shell in 1983 and has held various engineering, plant management and operations and commercial roles in the Netherlands, Africa, Malaysia, UK and the USA.

He replaces Mark Williams who will be returning to the United States and leaving the company after 33 years "distinguished service", the company said.

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