An oil industry veteran who has risen through the ranks during three decades at Royal Dutch Shell was today named the company's next chief executive.

Downstream director Ben van Beurden will succeed Peter Voser, who is leaving the company next year in search of a change in lifestyle.

Dutch national Mr van Beurden, 55, beat off competition from internal and external candidates to land the post, which he will start on January 1.

He joined the Shell group of companies in 1983 and has held a number of technical and commercial roles in both the upstream and downstream businesses, including in London. Mr van Beurden is already a member of Shell's executive committee.

Chairman Jorma Ollila said: "Ben has deep knowledge of the industry and proven executive experience across a range of Shell businesses.

"Ben will continue to drive and further develop the strategic agenda that we have set out, to generate competitive returns for our shareholders."

Mr Voser, who is 55 and has been chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell since July 2009, told staff in May that he was leaving to spend more time with his family.

The announcement came as Shell posted profits of just under eight billion US dollars (£5.1 billion) for the first quarter of the year, an increase of 4% on a year ago and better than City forecasts.

The Anglo-Dutch company has weathered volatility in energy markets, including a recent drop in oil prices, with improved profits from refining and trading.

Mr Voser first joined Shell in 1982 and held a variety of finance and business roles in Switzerland, the UK, Argentina and Chile, before leaving to join power technologies firm ABB in 2002. He returned to Shell in October 2004.