Pickard new Shell Australia chair

Shell Australia has announced Perth-based Ann Pickard as its new chairman of the Shell companies in Australia.

Ms Pickard will takeover from Russel Caplan who will retire after 42 years with the company at the beginning of August.

He has been the chairman of Shell in Australia since 1 February 2006.

"It has been a significant privilege for me to work in this great company and contribute to so many significant undertakings at home and aboard," said Mr Caplan.

In a statement, the company said Ms Pickard will continue in her role as executive vice president of Upstream Australian within the Shell Upstream International organisation and will continue to be based in Perth.

Prior to taking up her role in Australia Ms Pickard was Shell's regional executive vice president for Sub Sahara African.

"I am looking forward to leading Shell in Australia through the coming years, which promise to be an exciting time for the energy industry," she said.

"I also look forward to building on the good relationship Russell has built with our stakeholders," she said.