In the rapidly transforming landscape of global energy, few leaders stand out as clearly as Parminder Kohli, the UK Country Chair and Group Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Carbon at Shell. Appointed in June 2024, Kohli’s dual role reflects not only his decades of experience within Shell but also his ability to shape the future of energy, sustainability, and workforce development. His journey is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to social progress.
Parminder Kohli: A Career Built on Experience and Leadership
With over 28 years of senior leadership experience, including more than 22 years at Shell, Parminder Kohli has navigated some of the most complex areas of the energy industry. From refining and chemicals to mobility operations and lubricants across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, his diverse expertise has made him a leader capable of balancing operational excellence with long-term sustainability goals.
When he succeeded David Bunch as UK Country Chair in May 2024, it marked a pivotal transition for Shell. Alongside this, his appointment as Group Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Carbon placed him at the heart of Shell’s most ambitious mission—driving the global transition toward cleaner energy systems.
Champion of Sustainability and the Energy Transition
Kohli’s leadership is deeply tied to Shell’s strategy to accelerate the energy transition. His initiatives emphasize one of the greatest challenges facing the UK and the world: the skills gap in clean energy industries.
By 2050, the UK could have 1.18 million net-zero jobs available. Yet, the workforce lacks the skills needed to fill these roles. Parminder Kohli has taken bold steps to address this through Shell UK’s SkillsTransition programme, which aims to prepare 15,000 people for careers in energy transition by 2035.
A key element of this vision is the creation of energy transition skills hubs in partnership with colleges across the UK. The first two hubs—in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and Fife, Scotland—are already training students in advanced energy technologies, from virtual control rooms for offshore wind to hands-on experiences with nanogrids. Another hub in Aberdeen, expected in 2025, will provide vital training in welding, an essential skill for offshore energy projects.
This effort is not just about education. It is about creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, encouraging more women and ethnic minorities to take part in the clean energy workforce. Parminder Kohli firmly believes that the energy transition must also be a social transition—one that promotes inclusion, fairness, and long-term prosperity.
Parminder Kohli: Advocate for Diversity and Social Mobility
Beyond his corporate leadership, Parminder Kohli has earned recognition as a passionate advocate for diversity and social mobility. He has consistently championed initiatives to build inclusive workplaces and create pathways for people from diverse backgrounds to succeed.
-
In 2022, he was appointed as a Social Mobility Commissioner by the UK Government, where he continues to influence policies that improve equality of opportunity.
-
He was featured in the INvolve Empower Top 100 Senior Executive list (2022) and the Heroes Advocate Role Model List (2023), where he ranked in the global Top 20. These accolades celebrate his dedication to breaking barriers in corporate environments.
For Kohli, leadership is not only about strategy and business growth. It is also about ensuring that individuals from every walk of life have the chance to thrive.
Commitment to Global Progress
As a Trustee of the Shell Foundation since October 2024, Parminder Kohli extends his influence to philanthropic work focused on advancing sustainable solutions worldwide. The foundation has long been at the forefront of empowering entrepreneurs and organizations that tackle issues like access to clean energy, sustainable mobility, and job creation in emerging markets.
Kohli’s involvement is a reflection of his belief that true progress is achieved through collaboration between business, government, and society.
Personal Philosophy and Values
Behind the professional accomplishments, Parminder Kohli is someone who values discipline, wellness, and exploration. A firm believer in the balance of mind and body, he is passionate about distance running, yoga, and meditation. His love for travel has taken him to more than 85 countries, broadening his perspective on cultures, societies, and the interconnectedness of the global economy.
His educational journey, including an MBA from IMD Switzerland and the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School, has further shaped his global outlook and leadership style.
Also Read : UK Work Visas: Prioritises Artists, Writers, and Musicians