Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has appointed seasoned energy executive Jawwad Ahmed Cheema as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing in decades of global industry experience as the company looks to strengthen operations and navigate a challenging energy landscape.
The appointment, approved by PSO’s Board of Management, will take effect from May 18, 2026, for a three-year term. Cheema will replace interim CEO Abdus Sami, who had been leading the company during a transitional phase.
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Leadership change signals strategic direction
PSO, Pakistan’s largest oil marketing company, plays a central role in supplying fuel across the country, catering to retail, industrial, aviation and energy sectors. The appointment of a globally experienced executive reflects the company’s intent to enhance efficiency, strengthen supply chains and respond to evolving energy demands.
Cheema brings more than 28 years of experience in the downstream energy sector, with extensive exposure to fuel retail, lubricants, storage infrastructure, logistics and international portfolio management.
A significant portion of his career was spent at Royal Dutch Shell, where he served for 26 years in various senior roles across Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
He previously held the position of Managing Director and CEO of Shell Pakistan, where he oversaw key strategic and operational changes during a period of transformation in the country’s energy market.
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Experience across global energy markets
During his international career, Cheema also served in senior leadership roles including Vice President of Strategy and Portfolio at Shell International and Vice President of Business Operations in Singapore, where he managed global strategy and transformation initiatives.
Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Karachi Hydrocarbon Terminal, a key facility handling petroleum imports and distribution at Port Qasim.
Industry observers say his experience across multiple markets and segments of the energy value chain positions him to lead PSO at a time when the sector faces both structural and operational challenges.
Pakistan’s energy sector continues to deal with issues such as fluctuating global oil prices, supply constraints and the need for improved infrastructure and efficiency. Companies like PSO are also under pressure to modernize operations and expand into alternative energy solutions.
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Cheema’s appointment comes as PSO seeks to consolidate its market position and improve performance amid shifting regional and global dynamics. His leadership is expected to focus on operational discipline, strategic growth and strengthening the company’s role in Pakistan’s energy security.
As the new CEO prepares to take charge, the focus will remain on how PSO leverages his global experience to address domestic challenges and align with broader changes in the global energy industry.
