On John Hofmeister

The former President of Shell Oil Company has formed a non-profit Citizens for Affordable Energy, http://citizensforaffordableenergy.org/.

I have heard Hofmeister speak on two occasions now and I have been impressed each time with his measured, well-informed, reasonable, balanced, politically-savvy, and well-articulated approach. 

Hear John Hofmeister speak at commonwealthclub.org. 

I think he would make a great addition to Obama’s cabinet.

Bio:

John Hofmeister is the retired President of Shell Oil Company and the Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit (501(c) (3)), nation-wide membership association, Citizens for Affordable Energy. This Washington , D.C. registered, public policy advocacy firm exists to promote sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation, including a range of affordable energy supplies, efficiency improvements, essential infrastructure, sustainable environmental policy, and public education on energy issues.

Hofmeister was named President of Houston-based Shell Oil Company in March 2005, heading the U.S. Country Leadership Team, which included the leaders of all Shell businesses operating in the United States . He became President after serving as Group Human Resource Director of the Shell Group, based in The Hague , The Netherlands.

As Shell President, Hofmeister launched an extensive outreach program, unprecedented in the energy industry, to discuss critical global energy challenges. The program included an 18-month, 50-city tour across the country during which Hofmeister and other Shell leaders met with more than 15,000 business, community and civic leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss what must be done to ensure affordable, available energy for the future.

A business leader who has observed and participated in the inner workings of general industries for more than 30 years, Hofmeister also has held key positions in General Electric, Nortel and AlliedSignal (now Honeywell International).

Hofmeister serves as the Chairman of the National Urban League and is a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee. He also serves on the boards of the Foreign Policy Association, the United States Energy Association, and the National Association of Manufacturers. Hofmeister is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources. He also served as 2007 Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership.

Hofmeister earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Kansas State University .