Karrie Trauth has been named as Shell's new chief of shipping in a clear-out of the management heads of its three major trading units.

Trauth will takeover from global head of shipping and maritime Grahaeme Henderson when he retires after over 10 years in the top job, media reports said. Staff were informed internally on Wednesday.

TradeWinds has asked Shell for clarification on when Trauth will take up her new position and where she will be based.