Sir Andrew Mackenzie FRS

Sir Andrew Mackenzie is a distinguished organic geochemist who has transitioned from a successful early career in academic research to become a leader in the energy and mining industries. His important research contributions include approaches for determining the oil-generating potential of source rock using changes to chemicals derived from oil-forming organisms.

Upon leaving academia, Andrew joined oil and gas company BP where, over 22 years, he took on senior posts, including Chief Reservoir Engineer, which holds overall responsibility for oil and gas reserves. After three years at metals and mining corporation Rio Tinto, Andrew moved to multinational mining, metals and petroleum company BHP in 2008, where he served as Chief Executive Officer between 2013-19.  He became Chair of the Board of Royal Dutch Shell in 2021.

Andrew has received numerous awards, including the Geological Society of London's 2002 Aberconway Medal for his contributions to our understanding of the formation and entrapment of oil. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to earth science, his alma mater, the University of Bristol, awarded him an honorary doctorate of science in 2011. He is also Honorary Doctor of Science at Curtin University in Western Australia and Kings College, London.

Andrew was knighted in 2020 for services to business, science, technology and UK/Australia relations.

Subject groups

  • Engineering

    Engineering, chemical, Engineering, civil, Engineering, general, Fluid dynamics, Materials science (incl materials engineering), Engineering, mechanical

  • Earth and environmental sciences

    Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, Atmospheric chemistry, Atmospheric physics and meteorology, Geochemistry, Geodesy

  • Mathematics

    Applied mathematics and theoretical physics

  • Chemistry

    Chemistry, biological, Chemistry, general, Chemistry, inorganic, Chemistry, materials, Chemistry, organic, Chemistry, physical

Sir Andrew Mackenzie FRS
Elected 2014