Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria, a significant move that makes her the first Nigerian woman to occupy this combined leadership role within the company.

The appointment is effective August 1, 2026, and was confirmed by Shell's Communications Manager, Gladys Afam-Anadu. Aiboni currently serves as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum.

She takes over from Marno de Jong, who is retiring from the energy giant after a 34-year tenure to pursue other opportunities. De Jong had been appointed Senior Vice President Nigeria in 2020 and later assumed the additional role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair.

Aiboni's extensive experience spans over 24 years within Shell's operations, including offshore, shallow-water, and onshore businesses, as well as international postings in Kazakhstan and Brunei. She expressed enthusiasm for her new role, aiming to build on the foundation set by her predecessor.

“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,” Aiboni stated. She acknowledged de Jong’s leadership over the past six years, which sustained operations and drove growth.

De Jong, who joined Shell in 1992, shared his appreciation for the support received during his time in Nigeria. “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 commented.

Aiboni, a 1999 chemical engineering graduate of the University of Benin, joined Shell in 2002. Her career progression includes managing oil and gas production assets and field operations. In 2021, she became the first female Managing Director of SNEPCo, overseeing Shell’s deepwater business and investments, during which the Bonga field achieved its one-billionth barrel of oil production in 2023.

During de Jong's leadership, Nigeria's Bonga deepwater asset maintained strong operational performance. He also played a role in advancing major investment decisions, including the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development.