Deterding, Henri Wilhelm August
Henri Wilhelm August Deterding (1866-1939), co-founder and CEO of the Royal Dutch Oil Company (1890). The Royal Dutch company eventually merged with Shell Transport and Trading Company to become the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. Deterding was one of the most important figures in the international oil industry, described by some as a shrewd tactician who built alliances to advanced the position of his company. He was among the first to recognize the importance of the marginal or “swing” producer in oil markets, the substitution of gasoline for kerosene, and the change in naval ship fuel from coal to oil. By the 1930s, Deterding had become involved with Adolf Hitler and began secret negotiations with the German military to provide a year's supply of oil on credit. In 1936, he was forced to resign from his positions at Royal Dutch/Shell Group due to his Nazi sympathies.
Further Reading
History of Shell (Shell International Limited)
