BP has appointed Shell chemicals executive Emma Lewis as head of its downstream business, with her new role beginning on Jan. 4, 2027. Lewis most recently served as executive vice president of chemicals at Shell, where she led the global chemicals business, after joining the company in 2012 following about 13 years at ExxonMobil. Richard Harding will remain interim executive vice president of BP's downstream business until Lewis starts. The appointment comes as Shell discusses selling its chemical assets and as BP implements a two-segment structure combining refining, fuels marketing and other customer-facing operations. BP's reorganization, which took effect operationally in July 2026, is intended to simplify the business, improve efficiency, accelerate decision-making and strengthen shareholder returns. Lewis will oversee activities spanning refining, terminals, pipelines, mobility and convenience, aviation and bioenergy. She has identified operational performance, safe and reliable operations and sustainable shareholder value as priorities.