The Business Secretary Peter Kyle is pleased to announce the appointment of Parminder Kohli as new Chief Executive Officer of the Office for Investment (OFI).
Parminder brings nearly three decades of senior leadership experience, including more than 20 years at Shell, where he has held a range of global roles across strategy, operations and commercial business lines.
He currently serves as Chair of Shell UK Ltd and Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Carbon, leading efforts to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and drive sustainable business transformation.
He has a strong track record of building high-performing organisations, delivering operational excellence, and fostering inclusive, diverse teams. Parminder has also been recognised for his leadership and advocacy, including being named in INvolve’s global lists of senior role models, and was appointed as a Social Mobility Commissioner by the UK Government in 2022.
In his new role, Parminder will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of OFI, ensuring delivery against its key priorities, and strengthening its position as a leader in its field. He will also focus on enhancing collaboration across government and with investors to support the UK’s growth mission.
Minister for Investment Lord Stockwood said
I am delighted that Parminder Kohli will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Office for Investment.
Parminder brings a wealth of senior leadership experience at a pivotal moment for our growth mission. Securing investment is essential to driving innovation, supporting regional growth, and creating lasting opportunities across the United Kingdom. I am confident that his expertise will play a key role in advancing these priorities and adding strength to an already brilliant team.
I look forward to working closely with Parminder to harness insights from across government and the private sector, strengthening our ability to drive growth through investment. Together, we will continue to foster a culture that values creativity, encourages collaboration, and delivers meaningful outcomes with continuity.
I am very pleased to welcome him to the team.
Commenting on his appointment, Parminder Kohli said
The UK has extraordinary strengths in innovation, talent and enterprise. I am delighted to be joining the Office for Investment and look forward to working with investors, businesses and partners across government to attract investment that drives growth, creates opportunity and delivers prosperity across the United Kingdom.
Office for Investment Director General Ceri Smith said
After nearly five years of working to attract investment into the UK, and the past 15 months radically transforming the Office for Investment into a unified and even more effective unit we are entering a new phase that calls for a CEO with a strong private-sector background who can take on a highly visible public leadership profile.
I look forward to welcoming Parminder as the new CEO and to working with him as he takes up the reins.
Parminder will start on 1 October 2026.
