Shell Worldwide
We aim to meet the energy needs of society in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally viable, now and in the future. Learn about our business and people, which grew from a small shop in London nearly 200 years ago to become a major energy company.
Shell worldwide
Royal Dutch Shell was formed in 1907, although our history dates back to the early 19th century, to a small shop in London where the Samuel family sold sea shells.
Today, Shell is one of the world’s major energy companies, employing an average of 94,000 people and operating in more than 70 countries. Our headquarters are in The Hague, the Netherlands, and our Chief Executive Officer is Ben van Beurden. The parent company of the Shell group is Royal Dutch Shell plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales.
Our strategy seeks to reinforce our position as a leader in the oil and gas industry, while helping to meet global energy demand in a responsible way. Safety and environmental and social responsibility are at the heart of our activities.
Read about our history from 1833 to the present
Our purpose
We believe that oil and gas will remain a vital part of the global energy mix for many decades to come. Our role is to ensure that we extract and deliver these energy resources profitably and in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
We aim to work closely with our customers, our partners and policymakers to advance a more efficient and sustainable use of energy and natural resources.
Our people
Our people work together on some of the most innovative and exciting energy projects in the world. A diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment are vital to our success, leading to greater innovation and better solutions.
Find out about diversity and inclusion at Shell
Professional training, development programmes and ongoing support mean that our people are given every opportunity to reach their potential. And our leadership programmes enable talented individuals to become the energy industry leaders of tomorrow.
Learn more about careers with Shell
Shell at a glance
70+ countries where we operate
94,000 average number of employees
24 million tonnes of equity LNG sold during the year
24 refineries we have interests in
3.1 million barrels of oil equivalent we produce every day
Download our projects brochure "Create"
Financial performance (2014)
Revenue: $421.1 billion
Income: $14.7 billion
Net capital investment: $23.9 billion
Investment in research and development: $1.2 billion
Fast facts for sustainable development (2014)
$14 billion spent in lower income countries
1,074 assessments of suppliers against the Shell Supplier Principles
$160 million spent on voluntary social investment worldwide
Life at Shell
At Shell you shape your own career
More in about us
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre
Technology is at the heart of everything Shell does, which is why we invest more in technology than any other international oil company.
Contributing to Qatar National Vision
Shell works in partnership with a wide variety of Qatari institutions to deliver our local Corporate Social Responsibility programme.