Müller‑Dib’s deep commercial expertise strengthens Vattenfall’s competitive edge as it pivots toward decarbonisation, while highlighting the industry’s talent shift from oil majors to utility firms.
Vattenfall’s trading arm is a critical engine for the Swedish‑German utility, managing market access, hedging strategies, and risk‑taking across Europe. By operating two dedicated floors in Hamburg and Stockholm, the unit can react swiftly to price volatility and secure supply contracts that underpin the group’s broader decarbonisation roadmap. Strengthening this function aligns with Vattenfall’s stated goal of becoming a catalyst for fossil‑free energy, ensuring that commercial decisions support long‑term sustainability targets.
The recruitment of Sonja Müller‑Dib reflects a strategic talent acquisition trend among European utilities. With more than 20 years at Shell, she has overseen large‑scale gas and power portfolios, navigated regulatory shifts, and driven B2B growth in Germany. Her experience in value‑chain integration and commercial risk management equips Vattenfall to enhance trading margins and expand its renewable‑focused product suite. The move also signals that traditional oil‑and‑gas majors remain a talent pool for utilities seeking seasoned leaders who understand both legacy fuels and emerging clean‑energy markets.
For the broader energy sector, Müller‑Dib’s appointment underscores the accelerating convergence of trading expertise and decarbonisation ambition. As Europe tightens emissions standards, utilities must balance profitability with aggressive renewable investments. A seasoned trading chief can leverage market mechanisms—such as carbon pricing and renewable certificates—to fund green projects while mitigating exposure to volatile fossil‑fuel prices. Vattenfall’s enhanced leadership is likely to intensify competition among European traders, prompting faster innovation in risk‑adjusted pricing models and potentially reshaping the continent’s energy transition dynamics.
Shell veteran becomes vice president from May 2026 · 9 February 2026 · Vattenfall has appointed Sonja Müller‑Dib as vice‑president of its business‑unit trading, with the role effective from 1 May 2026.
Müller‑Dib joins Vattenfall from Shell after more than 20 years in senior leadership roles in the European gas and power sector, most recently as managing director of Shell Energy Deutschland and general manager B2B Germany.
According to Vattenfall, the appointment will support efforts to strengthen its market position and advance its ambition to enable fossil freedom.
Sjur Jensen, head of business‑area markets at Vattenfall, said:
“We are very pleased to welcome Sonja to Vattenfall. Her commercial experience, broad value‑chain understanding and proven leadership will be key as we continue strengthening our market position and supporting Vattenfall’s ambition to enable fossil freedom.”
Müller‑Dib stated:
“I am delighted to join Vattenfall, one of Europe’s most important energy companies, recognised for its strong track record in transformation and decarbonisation.”
She added:
“This role at Vattenfall’s trading unit is an exciting next chapter, and I can’t wait to contribute with my experience, energy and passion to the company’s future success.”
Vattenfall said its trading unit manages market access and trading activities for the group, including hedging, sourcing and risk‑taking, and operates two trading floors in Hamburg and Stockholm.
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