Rutger Beelaerts

Rutger Beelaerts was appointed General Manager Higher Olefins, based in Houston, Texas, with effect from 1 May 2012. In his previous role as Portfolio General Manager, Rutger Beelaerts led several Upstream/Downstream strategic studies to strengthen the integrated business and create new growth opportunities in North America. He was also accountable for the Canada LPG business, which became part of Shell Chemicals in 2011. Before this, Rutger worked on a large portfolio project in the USA and had been Global Commercial Manager Higher Olefins.

He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Groningen and joined Shell in 1990. He started with commercial and supply roles in Chemicals. He subsequently led the initial phase of the Shell Eastern Petrochemical Complex cracker project in Singapore and spent four years in the Gas & Power business in London working on the development of GTL and LNG projects. He then led the divestment of Shell’s chemicals assets in France.

Rutger is a keen traveler and photographer. He also enjoys theatre and swimming.