New Shell MD, Osagie, steps in …Mutiu bows out after 36 years of service

Osagie’s appointment had been announced in January while he was serving as a Senior Advisor in Shell’s Upstream International Operated business in The Hague, Netherlands.

The new Shell helmsman, who is also assuming the role of the Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, brings over 28 years of industry experience and expertise to the role his new role.

“I’m delighted at the opportunity to build on the progress we have made over the years. Shell continues to be a highly valued partner for progress in Nigeria and I’m looking forward to exploring more channels for fruitful collaboration with our stakeholders,” Osagie said as he took over from his predecessor weekend.

Okunbor is the third Nigerian MD of SPDC and Country Chair Shell Companies in Nigeria in a row. Mr. Basil Omiyi assumed office as the Managing Director of SPDC in 2004, and also became Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2008, the first Nigerian to hold both positions.

In a farewell note, the outgoing Managing Director thanked staff of Shell Nigeria and key external stakeholders for their dedication and support which enabled the company to collectively achieve the successes recorded during his tenure. "I am indeed proud to have made this remarkable journey with you and tremendously grateful to God for the privilege to have done so.”

A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Okunbor is an accomplished professional who has worked in Nigeria, the UK, Brunei and until now, the Netherlands.

His previous assignments included Vice President, Human Resources for Shell’s Upstream Business in Sub-Saharan Africa and Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics Shell Nigeria. He is currently Senior Advisor in Shell’s Upstream International Operated business, based in The Hague, The Netherlands, from where he returns to Port Harcourt to take up his new role.

Commenting on the appointment, Vice President Nigeria and Gabon, Shell Upstream, Mr. Markus Droll, said: “We are delighted to see another Nigerian at the helm of affairs in Shell Nigeria. Mr. Sunmonu worked very hard over these years – managing production and setting a new agenda in dealing with communities, government and other key stakeholders. We’re confident that Osagie will consolidate and build on the progress we have made in the past years.” 

Okunbor is married to Soala and they are blessed with children. He enjoys music and football in his spare time.