Andrew Mackenzie

About

Business executive most largely known for being named the chairman of the London-based multinational gas and oil company Shell PLC, or Royal Dutch Shell in 2021. That same year, he was also chosen to become the Chair of UK Research and Innovation. He formerly acted in roles such as Rio Tinto industrial minerals division chief executive, and CEO of the largest mining company worldwide, BHP Billiton.

Before Fame

He earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of St Andrews in the year 1977 before earning a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Bristol just 4 years later. He started his career as a postdoctoral research fellow for the British Geological Society, and later at a German Nuclear Research Centre. He joined the research division of BP in 1983. 

Trivia

In the year 2014, he was named a fellow of the Royal Society for his influence on applied earth sciences and geochemistry. In 2020, he was knighted for his contributions to industry, science, technology, and relations between Australia and the United Kingdom.

Family Life

He is married to Liz Allan. The pair met while they were both students at the University of St. Andrews.

Associated With

He was knighted at the 2020 Birthday Honours held to celebrate the birthday of Elizabeth II. Other individuals appointed at the 2020 ceremony included pop singer Tommy Steele, as well as pianist and Deutsche Oper Berlin General Music Director Donald Runnicles.