Hector Pineda
Hector Pineda is an alumnus of Louisiana State University, where he earned a bachelor’s
degree in psychology. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School. Pineda
was appointed Shell Oil Company’s head of legal for the United States in 2016. He
is accountable for consulting with the U.S. legal management team on country-wide
legal and reputational issues, consulting with Shell Oil’s senior executive team,
and creating a sense of community and teamwork for all U.S. based legal staff. Pineda
is also the associate general counsel–downstream for the U.S., Central America, and
South America. In his 25 years with Shell’s legal department, he has supported corporate,
upstream, and downstream business segments in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
He serves as sponsor of the Shell Legal U.S.’ Pro Bono/Community Service Program and
its Diversity & Inclusion Council.
Outside of Shell, Pineda serves on the board of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) and as chairman of the HHCC Foundation. He was honored as HHCC’s Hispanic Male Executive of the Year in 2013. In 2019, Pineda was recognized by the National Diversity Council as one of Houston’s top 50 general counsel for his work promoting diversity and inclusion. Pineda also serves on the dean's advisory council for LSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences and he is an inaugural member of Tulane Law School’s Center for Energy Law National Advisory Board. He has formerly served as a director of the Texas Lyceum, a director of Healthcare for the Homeless-Houston, and as executive committee vice chair for the Institute for Energy Law. Pineda, a native of New Orleans, and his wife are the proud parents of two sons.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
I have many great memories. I fondly remember attending interesting history classes,
walking across our beautiful campus, playing racquetball, and watching Shaquille O'Neal,
Chris Jackson, and Stanley Roberts on the same basketball court.
What makes LSU unique?
The great spirit of Louisiana permeates throughout the entire school.
Why did you choose to attend LSU?
As a native of New Orleans and growing up in Westwego, I felt LSU would be my home
away from home with its welcoming culture. This proved to be the case.
Why do you support LSU?
I want to be a part of helping a great public institution move to even greater heights
and remain in reach for as many students as possible.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
An investment in LSU is a critical investment in higher education. An investment in
LSU is directly tied to the development of the state, region, and country.
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
I want to see LSU recognized as the top public institution in the region for higher
education, as well as athletics. Having the financial resources will help achieve
this vision.
What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation
National Board?
I wanted to give back to an institution that provided me with a foundation for success.
I'd like to be part of making that experience available and affordable for others.
What most excites you about being part of the National Board?
I'm excited to be a part of such an impressive group of leaders and role models who
have energy and passion for strengthening my beloved alma mater. I'm happy to give
my time as an investment for our future.