The Changing Landscape for Global Oil Companies

Mr. Odum discusses the changing landscape in the energy industry and what strategic choices Shell makes to be well-prepared for future developments. He also offers insight in how to make high-stakes investment decisions when oil and gas markets are so turbulent.

About the Speaker
Marvin E. Odum was appointed to the Executive Committee of Royal Dutch Shell in 2009. Since January 1, 2016, he is Unconventional Resources Director, responsible for Shell’s portfolio interests in the Americas for shale oil, heavy oil and the Arctic. He continues as President of Shell Oil Company.

Marvin earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston. He began his Shell career as an engineer in 1982, and has since served in a number of management positions of increasing responsibility in both technical and commercial aspects of energy.

Marvin is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the boards of the Business Roundtable, the American Petroleum Institute and the National Urban League, and is an executive committee member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. In addition, he is on the Dean’s Council of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the Advisory Board of the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, and is Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors of the University of Houston. He also serves on the University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors for MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In addition to leading the Unconventional Resources lines of business, his current role involves engaging with public, private, media and non-governmental leaders on a wide range of energy policy issues. He is charged with establishing and advocating innovative, industry-leading solutions to the challenge of securing safe, secure and sustainable energy sources.