Shell CEO Pay Rises Amid Profit Drop

Shell's Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan, received a 60% increase in his total compensation package, reaching £13.8 million in 2025, despite the company reporting a 22% drop in annual profits to $18.5 billion for the same year. This marks the third consecutive year of declining profits for Shell, following adjusted earnings of $23.7 billion in 2024 and nearly $40 billion in 2022.

The compensation increase, detailed in Shell's annual report, primarily stemmed from £11.8 million in bonuses, including a £2.7 million annual bonus and a £9.1 million share award tied to long-term business targets. Sawan's fixed salary, pensions, and benefits accounted for £1.9 million of his package. The rise in executive pay occurred as oil prices briefly surpassed $100 a barrel due to Middle East geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about potential increases in consumer energy costs.

Since assuming the CEO role in 2023, Sawan has re-emphasized Shell's focus on fossil fuel production, contributing to a more than 30% rise in the company's share price. Shell's spokesperson stated that the CEO's pay aligns with his position at a major global energy company, with approximately 80% of the total package linked to performance, and cited strong financial and operational performance under his leadership.