First Nigerian to hold combined leadership role takes over from Marno de Jong as company eyes continued growth in key market
Shell has announced the appointment of veteran energy executive Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, a landmark leadership transition that will see the first Nigerian assume the combined role in the company's history.
Aiboni, currently serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, will take over from Marno de Jong, who is leaving the multinational energy company after a distinguished 34-year career to pursue new opportunities. The appointment takes effect on August 1, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Shell's Country Communications Manager in Nigeria, Gladys Afam-Anadu.
The appointment marks a significant 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 within the Shell Group, having built an extensive career across the company's offshore, shallow-water and onshore operations in Nigeria, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
Her elevation comes at a crucial period for Nigeria's oil and gas industry as major operators continue to invest in offshore developments and gas projects aimed at boosting production and strengthening the country's position in the global energy market.
Aiboni is widely recognised within the industry for her leadership of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), where she made history in 2021 as the first woman to become Managing Director of the deep-water subsidiary. During her tenure, she oversaw major investments and operational activities, with the flagship Bonga deep-water asset achieving the milestone production of its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023.
In 2024, she moved to Brunei Shell Petroleum as Asset Director, where she has been responsible for asset performance, production optimisation and project delivery.
Her predecessor, Marno de Jong, leaves behind a notable legacy after steering Shell's Nigerian operations through a period marked by operational resilience, investment growth and major project advancements.
De Jong was appointed Senior Vice President for Nigeria in 2020 and later assumed the additional responsibilities of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, overseeing Shell's diverse operations across the country. His career with Shell began in 1992 as a Project Engineer and spanned multiple continents, including assignments in the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Nigeria, Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Under his leadership, the Bonga asset maintained strong operational performance and consistently exceeded availability targets. He also played a key role in progressing strategic investments such as the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development, both considered important to Shell's long-term ambitions in Nigeria.
Reflecting on his years in Nigeria, De Jong expressed appreciation for the support he received from colleagues and industry partners.
“I’m grateful for the support I have enjoyed since my time in Nigeria which has enabled us to achieve progress on many fronts. 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 roles and wish Shell Nigeria every success.”
Responding to her appointment, Aiboni described the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility, pledging to build on the achievements recorded under 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. Marno has led from his heart these six plus years, sustaining operations and breaking new grounds in project delivery and growth. It’s a legacy I’m keen to build on with the support of colleagues and other stakeholders.”
Industry observers view the appointment as a strong endorsement of local leadership within one of the world's largest energy companies. With deep operational knowledge, international experience and a track record of delivering results in Nigeria's challenging energy landscape, Aiboni is expected to play a central role in guiding Shell's next phase of growth, investment and energy development in the country.
Her appointment also reinforces the growing prominence of Nigerian professionals in global energy leadership, while highlighting Shell's continued focus on diversity, inclusion and talent development across its international operations.