Mr Xavier MAASARANI

Mr. Xavier H. Maasarani is a seasoned senior manager specializing in EU regulatory affairs for Shell Companies, operating primarily out of Brussels. With over 18 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, he has held numerous technical, operational, and strategic roles within Shell and other industry leaders like Schlumberger. His expertise spans reservoir engineering, well operations including hydraulic fracturing (fracking), economics, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory affairs, and corporate strategy. Maasarani holds a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from IFP School in Paris and an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York. He chairs the industry advocacy group on upstream issues, including shale gas, within the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) and serves on the board of Shale Gas Europe, a prominent industry platform for public and media relations. His global experience covers Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, making him a key figure in shaping Shell’s EU energy policies and regulatory strategies

Mr. Maasarani’s lobbying efforts are deeply intertwined with Shell’s strategic interests in the UK and broader European energy markets. His role involves advocating for upstream oil and gas development, with a particular emphasis on shale gas and hydraulic fracturing technologies. As chairman of the IOGP’s upstream advocacy group and a board member of Shale Gas Europe, Maasarani actively promotes the expansion and acceptance of shale gas exploration and production in Europe, including the UK, where Shell and allied companies hold significant exploration licenses.

His lobbying agenda is aimed at influencing EU and UK regulatory frameworks to favor market-based approaches and less restrictive environmental and safety regulations that could impede shale gas development. This includes pushing back against tougher safety measures and environmental impact assessments that have been proposed or implemented at EU levels. His activities are part of a broader industry effort to position shale gas as a viable and necessary energy source for Europe’s energy security and transition strategies, despite public and environmental concerns.

Maasarani’s true and often less visible intention is to secure a regulatory environment that enables Shell and its affiliates to maximize investments and operations in the UK’s shale gas sector. This involves close coordination with industry coalitions and lobbying groups that have direct financial stakes in UK shale licenses, such as Cuadrilla, and leveraging industry-dominated advisory networks to shape EU policies. His work supports Shell’s broader corporate strategy to maintain fossil fuel production’s profitability and influence amidst increasing climate policy pressures

Mr. Maasarani’s lobbying activities are extensive and highly strategic, focusing on engaging EU policymakers, industry groups, and advisory networks to promote Shell’s upstream oil and gas interests, particularly shale gas development.

He has participated in numerous meetings with key EU Commissioners and their cabinets, including those responsible for energy, climate, and environmental policies. For example, Shell representatives have held discussions with the Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson on energy prices, supply security, and Shell’s corporate policies regarding fossil fuel sourcing. Meetings with the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans have addressed energy developments and the European Green Deal, highlighting Shell’s positioning in the EU energy transition dialogue.

Maasarani’s role as chairman of the IOGP upstream advocacy group and board member of Shale Gas Europe places him at the center of lobbying efforts to influence EU shale gas policies. These platforms have been criticized for industry dominance and for steering the narrative towards acceptance and expansion of fracking in Europe, including the UK. The lobbying activities also involve countering stricter environmental regulations and promoting industry-friendly safety standards.

His presence in Brussels ensures direct access to EU institutions, enabling him to shape legislative and regulatory outcomes favorably for Shell. The influence of these meetings is evident in the EU’s cautious approach to shale gas regulation, where industry arguments about safety and economic benefits have tempered regulatory stringency. Maasarani’s lobbying contributes to maintaining Shell’s operational licenses and investment confidence in the UK shale sector, aligning with broader corporate objectives to sustain fossil fuel production amidst evolving EU energy policies

Office: Shell Companies EU Liaison Office, Brussels, Belgium
LinkedIn: Not publicly available
Phone Number: Not publicly disclosed
Email: Not publicly disclosed
Website: Shell Corporate Website and EU Liaison Office pages
Social Media: No direct profiles publicly linked; Shell’s official social media channels represent corporate communications
Lobby Register ID: Registered EU lobbyist with accreditation dates from 2013 to 2016

This profile synthesizes publicly available information on Mr. Xavier Maasarani’s role as a senior EU regulatory affairs manager for Shell, highlighting his lobbying focus on upstream oil and gas, particularly shale gas, and his influence on EU and UK energy policies.