ExxonMobil Announces Shane Harris as New Chairman, Managing Director in Nigeria

ExxonMobil, a renowned global energy company, has announced the appointment of Mr. Shane Harris as the new Chairman and Managing Director, as well as the lead country manager, for its three Nigerian affiliates.

This decision comes as Richard Laing, an experienced executive with over three decades of dedicated service to the company, retires. In a press statement posted on Twitter, ExxonMobil emphasized the importance of this leadership transition, placing their trust in Harris to oversee operations in Nigeria.

In his new role as Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian affiliates, which include Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, and Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria (Offshore East), Shane Harris will assume the responsibility of steering the company’s operations in the country.

Shane Harris, in his statement, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the ExxonMobil team in Nigeria and acknowledged the significant contributions made by his predecessor, Richard Laing, during his tenure of three years.

Harris stated, “I am privileged to lead the ExxonMobil team in Nigeria and to build upon the accomplishments of Richard Laing over the past three years. I eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead and the opportunity to nurture the exceptional relationships that the company has cultivated.”

With his association with ExxonMobil since 1998, Shane Harris brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Throughout his career, he has taken on diverse leadership, engineering, and business roles in countries including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, and the United States. Noteworthy positions he has held include serving as the asset manager for Imperial Oil’s Kearl oil sands mining project in northern Alberta, Canada, and as ExxonMobil’s global drilling technical manager based in Houston.

Originally from Australia, Shane Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Newcastle. His extensive industry experience and diverse background position him well to navigate the intricacies of ExxonMobil’s operations in Nigeria and uphold the company’s exceptional relationships.

The appointment of Shane Harris underscores ExxonMobil’s commitment to ensuring a seamless leadership transition and maintaining a robust presence in Nigeria’s energy sector. As the company welcomes its new Chairman and Managing Director, stakeholders can expect a focused approach to advancing ExxonMobil’s strategic objectives and further enhancing its contributions to Nigeria’s economy and energy landscape.