Global energy giant Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian to hold the combined leadership position in the company’s history.
The appointment takes effect on August 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by Shell’s Communications Manager, Gladys Afam-Anadu.
Aiboni, currently Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, will succeed Marno de Jong, who is leaving the company after a distinguished 34-year career to pursue new opportunities.
The appointment represents a major milestone for Shell’s operations in Nigeria, where the company has maintained a presence for more than six decades.
Aiboni brings over 24 years of experience across Shell’s offshore, shallow-water, deepwater, and onshore operations, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
Reacting to her appointment, Aiboni expressed optimism about leading the company’s next phase of growth in Nigeria.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to continue to contribute to the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in Nigeria and thereby power progress in a country we’ve been part of for more than 60 years,” she said.
She praised her predecessor for laying a solid foundation and pledged to build on the achievements recorded under his leadership.
A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin, Aiboni joined Shell in 2002 as a Production Operations Supervisor at the Imo River fields.
Her rise through the ranks has been marked by several groundbreaking achievements.
In 2021, she became the first female Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, leading Shell’s deepwater operations in Nigeria.
Under her leadership, the flagship Bonga Field achieved a historic milestone, producing its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023.
She later moved to Brunei in 2024 as Asset Director, where she oversaw production performance, project delivery, and asset management.
Outgoing Country Chair Marno de Jong expressed confidence in Aiboni’s ability to lead Shell’s Nigerian operations.
“I leave with fond memories of warm friendships and strong support from colleagues in Shell and our partners. I’m confident that Shell operations in Nigeria will continue to deliver value and growth under Elohor, given the strong leadership credentials she brings to the role,” he said.
De Jong joined Shell in 1992 and held several leadership positions across the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
During his tenure in Nigeria, he played a key role in advancing major projects, including the Bonga North development and the HI offshore gas project, while sustaining strong operational performance across Shell’s assets.
Aiboni’s appointment is being viewed as a significant step in Shell’s commitment to local leadership and talent development. Beyond its symbolic importance, the move places one of Nigeria’s most accomplished energy executives at the helm of one of the country’s most influential multinational companies at a time when the energy sector is navigating a complex transition driven by investment, sustainability, and evolving global energy demands.
