John Addison, long regarded by peers and competitors as one of the most effective gasoline traders of recent decades, is set to step down from his role at Vitol, according to four people familiar with the matter. The departure will come at age 47, ending a tenure at the world’s largest commodities trading house that spans more than 17 years.
Sources told Reuters that Addison was instrumental this year in helping Vitol secure a deal to enable the first exports of Venezuelan oil following Nicolas Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces. The deal is among the high-profile transactions tied to his trading career.
Currently the head of refined products trading in the Americas for Vitol, Addison oversaw both physical gasoline operations in the United States - the world’s largest consumer of fuel - and the related financial instruments for crude oil, diesel and other segments of the energy market, according to a colleague and two rival traders.
After leaving Vitol, Addison plans to concentrate on politics and energy policy, one source close to him said. That source also noted Addison’s political engagement: he was an early supporter of U.S. Vice President JD Vance dating back to Vance’s Senate campaign, and he contributed to President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election effort.
Vitol’s refined products desk will be led by Addison’s deputy, gasoline trader Jean-Marc Monrad, the sources said. The change in leadership is expected to take effect on Tuesday, the sources added. The individuals who provided details requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the personnel moves.
Addison declined to comment on his retirement. Monrad did not immediately respond to a message on LinkedIn, and Vitol declined to comment on personnel matters.
Outside of trading, Addison maintains ties to his alma mater, Vanderbilt University. University materials indicate he serves on the Vanderbilt School of Engineering Council of Advisors and the Chancellor’s Circle. He and his wife Shannon made a $30 million donation to Vanderbilt last year, according to the university profile.
Contextual note - The article reflects sourced reporting that outlines Addison’s role at Vitol, his recent deal activity relating to Venezuelan oil exports, his political donations and affiliations, his intended post-retirement focus, and his replacement on the refined products desk. Sources were anonymized where indicated; company and individual requests for comment were noted as unanswered or declined.