Shell has named Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, marking a significant leadership transition in the company’s Nigerian operations.
Aiboni, who previously served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), is currently on assignment as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum. She will take over from Marno de Jong, who is leaving Shell after a distinguished 34-year career to pursue other opportunities.
Marno de Jong was appointed Senior Vice President Nigeria in 2020 and later assumed the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, overseeing all of Shell’s operations in the country. His tenure saw strong performance from the flagship Bonga asset and key progress on major projects, including the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development.
In a farewell message, Marno expressed gratitude for the support received during his time in Nigeria.
“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.
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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.”
Historic appointment
Elohor Aiboni becomes the first Nigerian to hold the combined role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria. With over 24 years of experience at Shell, she has worked across the company’s offshore, shallow water, and onshore businesses in Nigeria, with international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
She made history in 2021 when she was appointed Managing Director of SNEPCo — the first woman to hold the position — where she successfully led the deepwater business. Under her leadership, the Bonga asset reached a milestone of one billion barrels of oil produced in 2023.
Aiboni expressed enthusiasm about returning to lead Shell’s Nigerian operations.
“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.”
The appointment takes effect on August 1, 2026.
