Michael Hansen
Michael is an alumnus of Oxford University’s Business Economics Programme (OUBEP), having completed the ‘Economics for Business Leaders’ course in 2023. He serves as General Manager of Strategy at Shell, where he leads initiatives focused on guiding the company toward profitable and sustainable energy solutions.
What Michael has to say
Tell us about your career and how you got to your current position? What year did you participate in OUBEP and has it positively influenced your career since graduating the course?
I graduated as an aeronautical engineer from RWTH Aachen and ISAE Toulouse. My passion for science, particularly in mathematics and physics, led me to join Shell as a maintenance engineer for turbomachinery. Alongside my work at Shell, I pursued a part-time PhD in Finance at the University of Luxembourg, focusing on using game theory to enhance safety risk management in the petrochemical industry.
Throughout my career at Shell, I have enjoyed working at the intersection of engineering, finance and economics. After my initial years working in a refinery, I transitioned into trading and supply roles before moving into operations leadership. Currently, I serve as the General Manager of Strategy for our Chemicals and Products division based out of London, where I am responsible for the strategy and transformation of our Energy and Chemicals Parks.
I participated in the OUBEP in 2023. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of global economics, trade dynamics, and decarbonization. The insights gained from OUBEP have been invaluable in shaping my approach to strategic decision-making in my current role.
What did you most enjoy about your time with OUBEP? What aspects of the course have been useful in your career?
The OUBEP program was academically very challenging, featuring excellent professors and tutors who provided in-depth insights into various subjects. What I enjoyed most was meeting a diverse group of professionals from different companies, all of whom had distinguished careers. Learning from their careers and experiences was incredibly enriching.
Additionally, the social events were a highlight, including dinners in some of Oxford’s best locations. These events not only provided a great networking opportunity but also created lasting memories. The course’s focus on global economics, trade dynamics, and the cost of decarbonization has been particularly useful in my career, especially in shaping strategic decisions in my current role.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career to date? Did you feel prepared for it and do you think attending an OUBEP course would have changed the way you approached the challenge?
The biggest challenge in my career has been navigating the uncertainties that companies, countries, and society as a whole are facing, particularly with rising geopolitical tensions and the urgent need to combat climate change. This environment requires a deep understanding of broader market dynamics and political dimensions.
Dealing with these challenges necessitates working with triggers and signposts and being agile in adapting strategies as situations evolve. Attending OUBEP has significantly strengthened my understanding of the fundamental drivers of the global economy, which has been invaluable in addressing these complex issues. The insights gained from the course have enhanced my ability to make informed, strategic decisions in this challenging landscape.
Is there anything from your career or personal life which you are particularly proud of?
I am particularly proud that my hard work has allowed me to progress from a day-to-day maintenance job to a strategic role at Shell headquarters, where I work closely with our executive committee and provide them with strategic direction as a trusted advisor.
In my personal life, I am immensely proud of my family, especially my two kids. It brings me great joy to see them enjoying their lives and growing up with strong values of humility and a sense of responsibility to contribute to society. Additionally, I am very happy that I can find time to be with them and actively participate in their lives, such as coaching their youth football teams.
What is your next goal – in your career or in your personal life?
In my personal life, I aim to further develop my youth football coaching skills, enjoying the opportunity to teach kids not only about sports skills but also valuable life lessons such as respect and teamwork.
In my career, my goal is to continue contributing to Shell’s journey towards a cleaner energy system while ensuring a balance between delivering shareholder returns and sustainable business practices.
Do you feel proud to be part of the Oubep alumni community? is there anything, in particular, you enjoy as part of this community?
Yes, I feel extremely proud to be part of the OUBEP alumni community. I have attended several alumni events and have had the opportunity to mentor students, which has been incredibly rewarding.
The OUBEP alumni community is filled with bright and fascinating individuals, and I thoroughly enjoy being part of such a dynamic and diverse network. The ability to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and continue learning from each other is what makes this community truly special.