Shell USA names Colette Hirstius as new President

Gulf of America EVP to take the helm of the mobility giant’s U.S. operations starting August 2025.

Shell has announced that Colette Hirstius, currently Executive Vice President of Gulf of America, will become the new President of Shell USA, effective August 1, 2025. 

She will succeed Gretchen Watkins, who will step down after a seven-year tenure in the role. Hirstius will retain her current responsibilities overseeing the company’s operations in the Gulf of America while also assuming the top leadership position for the company’s U.S. business.

“Gretchen’s leadership has been instrumental in driving performance, discipline, and simplification across our U.S. operations,” said Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell. “We thank her for her dedication and impact over the past seven years.”

The company highlighted the importance of the U.S. market, pointing to the company’s leadership in key areas such as deep-water exploration, liquefied natural gas (LNG) offtake, and mobility services. 

Currently, Shell operates the country’s largest mobility network, serving over seven million customers daily.