Andrew Agnew (businessman)
Sir Andrew Agnew | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 28, 1882 Greenock, Scotland |
| Died | March 4, 1955 (aged 73) New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland |
| Occupation | Oil industry executive |
| Years active | 1902–1954 |
| Known for | Managing director of Shell Transport and Trading Company; chairman of the wartime Petroleum Board |
Sir Andrew Agnew (28 February 1882 – 4 March 1955) was a prominent Scottish oil industry leader who served as managing director of the Shell Transport and Trading Company, a constituent of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, dedicating more than fifty years to the corporation.
Early life and education
Born in Greenock, Scotland, Agnew was the son of Andrew Agnew and received his education at Greenock Academy.
Career
Agnew's professional journey commenced in 1902 in Singapore with Syme and Company, representatives for Shell. By 1908, he had advanced to the Asiatic Petroleum Company, eventually becoming general manager for Malaya. During the First World War, he took on the role of commandant for the Singapore Civil Guard and led the River Craft Committee, which managed supply routes to Mesopotamia. His influential positions included serving on the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements and holding memberships on the Singapore Harbour Board, Singapore Chamber of Commerce Committee, Shipping Control Committee, and Food Control Committee.
After relocating to London in 1922, Agnew assumed directorships at both Asiatic Petroleum Company and Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company. As managing director of Shell Transport and Trading Company, he was instrumental in directing Royal Dutch Shell Group’s worldwide operations. Although he stepped down as managing director in 1938, he continued to serve as a company director.
In 1939, Agnew was appointed chairman of the wartime Petroleum Board, where he supervised vital projects such as the submerged pipeline beneath the English Channel that delivered fuel to Allied forces during the European campaign. He held board memberships across more than seventy oil firms and frequently led negotiations with American entities over European oil concessions. Throughout his career, Agnew was honored with multiple international awards and retired in 1954 after an extensive tenure with Shell.
Personal life and death
In 1912, Agnew married Bella McClymont, with whom he had two sons. He passed away on 4 March 1955 in New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.
Honours
Agnew was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) during the 1918 New Year Honours and received a knighthood as Knight Bachelor in the 1938 Birthday Honours. In 1939, he was awarded both the Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau and France’s Legion of Honour. For his contributions during wartime, he earned the United States Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm in 1946.