02 March 2015, Lagos – The newly named Managing Director for Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, has assumed office, succeeding Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, who retired on Saturday after 36 years of service.
Okunbor’s appointment was announced in January while he was serving as a Senior Advisor in Shell’s Upstream International Operated business in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The new Shell helmsman, who is also assuming the role of the Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, according to a statement by the firm, brings over 28 years of industry experience and expertise to 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,” Okunbor said.
Okunbor is the third Nigerian managing director of SPDC and Country Chair of 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, Sunmonu thanked the workers 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,” he said.
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Okunbor is an accomplished professional who has worked in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei, and until now, the Netherlands.
