Full Name
Wayne Leighty
Job Title
Manager, Hydrogen Commercial, North America
Company/ Organization
Shell
Speaker Bio
Wayne Leighty was appointed Business Development Manager for Hydrogen Mobility in 2017 and Commercial Head for North America in 2020, where he is developing hydrogen fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles. Wayne joined Shell in 2010 in the Alaska Exploration Venture, first as a Commercial Regulatory Analyst securing license to operate, and then as Business Planner for the venture. He has also been a Manager in Commercial Finance, serving as the internal CFO/investment-Bank/transaction service provider for acquisitions and divestments.

Prior to joining Shell, Wayne studied Energy Transitions at the University of California, specializing in the technology and policy of advanced vehicles and energy infrastructure. His dissertation included chapters on transition paths in the California transportation sector to 80% emission reduction from 1990 levels by 2050, and repowering of wind power generation. His graduate studies culminated with degrees in Transportation Technology and Policy (MS, PhD), Resource Economics (MS), and Business (MBA).

Prior to graduate school, Wayne worked as an environmental economics consultant on damage cost modelling, as General Manager for a whitewater rafting company, and as Chief of Staff for an Alaska Senator. The latter occurred during major revisions to oil and gas tax policy, negotiation of a $30 billion natural gas pipeline contract, and in the context of increasing oil price. Wayne’s leading role on these policy decisions led to his desire to work in the energy industry, and to graduate study at the University of California Davis.

Wayne grew up in Alaska, surrounded by natural resource industries including forestry, mining, fisheries, oil and gas, and exploring as a wilderness guide. Curiosity about the foundation of these endeavours led him to study environmental science (BS) and economics (BS) at Brown University. Wayne is married with two young children and enjoys all manner of outdoor activities.
Wayne Leighty