Ms Trudy Schoolenberg, PhD (Tech), 51, has been appointed vice president, Global R&D, at Wärtsilä Industrial Operations as of 15 August 2010. Ms Schoolenberg will be responsible for global research and development of the Wärtsilä products.

Ms Schoolenberg had a successful career at Shell in several leading positions with strategic, operational and technology experience since 1989. Most recently she held the position of general manager, strategy, for Shell Chemicals in London, leading overall strategy and portfolio development. Previously she was deputy site manager and production manager for Pernis Refinery, one of the biggest oil refineries in the world. During the years 1989-2003 she had managerial positions in various parts of the Shell organisation in operations, R&D and technical services.

Ms Schoolenberg’s educational background combines a BSc in industrial design engineering (product development) with an MSc (with honours) in mechanical engineering and a PhD in physics.

“Strong R&D with focus on energy efficiency is the cornerstone of Wärtsilä’s technological leadership. I am happy and proud to welcome Trudy Schoolenberg to further develop our work, benefiting both the customer and the environment,” says Lars Hellberg, group vice president, Industrial Operations.