Jeroen

For Royal Dutch Shell and the rest of the energy industry, “it’s all hands on deck and overtime on the bridge,” the CEO said Tuesday. CEO Jeroen van der Veer also said it was time for the Obama administration to heed the call and allow exploration in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Jeroen van der Veer, 57, a career-long employee with Royal Dutch/Shell Group, took over the third-largest major last week as president and chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors following the ouster of Sir Philip Watts. Also resigning was Walter van de Vijver, 48, CEO of Shell’s Exploration and Production Business, who was considered at one time to be Watts’ eventual successor.

A day after taking over the top spot at Royal Dutch/Shell Group, CEO Jeroen van der Veer urged staff to focus on their performance to help restore confidence in the London-based company.

Royal Dutch/Shell Group on Wednesday named Jeroen van der Veer, 57, a career-long employee, as president and chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors. He takes over for Sir Philip Watts, who stepped down in an apparent mutual agreement with the company. Also resigning was Walter van de Vijver, 48, CEO of Shell’s Exploration and Production Business, who was considered at one time to be Watts’ eventual successor.