Global energy giant Shell has appointed former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, marking a historic milestone as the first Nigerian to occupy the combined leadership position.
Aiboni, who is currently serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, will assume the role on August 1, 2026, succeeding Marno de Jong, who is leaving the company after a distinguished 34-year career to pursue new opportunities.
The appointment represents a significant leadership transition for Shell in Nigeria, where Aiboni brings more than 24 years of experience across the company’s offshore, shallow water and onshore operations, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
De Jong, who was appointed Senior Vice President Nigeria in 2020 and later became Executive Vice President and Country Chair, oversaw Shell’s operations during a period marked by major investments and operational achievements. During his tenure, the company’s flagship Bonga deepwater asset maintained performance levels above target while advancing key investment decisions, including the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development.
Reflecting on his years in Nigeria, De Jong expressed gratitude to colleagues and partners for their support.
“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,” he said.
Aiboni’s appointment further strengthens her trailblazing record within the company. In 2021, she became the first woman to serve as Managing Director of SNEPCo, where she led Shell’s deepwater operations in Nigeria. Under her leadership, the Bonga field achieved a major milestone, producing its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023.
She later moved to Brunei in 2024 as Asset Director, where she has been responsible for asset performance, production and project delivery.
Speaking on her new appointment, Aiboni said she was eager to build on the achievements of her predecessor while advancing Shell’s long-standing operations 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. 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,” she said.
