Eugene Okpere is executive vice president exploration, strategy and portfolio, integrated gas and upstream at Shell based in London. He says his international career journey encompassing posts in many countries including Brunei, Nigeria, South Africa, and notably Trinidad & Tobago, has been inspired by his parents, family and faith.
Born into the business
I was born in Birmingham, UK, while my dad was finishing his PhD in mechanical engineering. However, I have no Brummie accent – our family moved back to Nigeria when I was young. As the eldest child in a big family, discipline and my Christian faith were pretty much non-negotiable. My dad, Dr Kisito Okpere, joined Shell in 1972 and went on to lead Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), so it is safe to say, Shell is in my blood.
Eureka moment
Growing up, I saw how energy could both catalyse progress and present significant challenges. This sparked my decision to pursue geology at the University of Benin, Nigeria. But the real ‘eureka’ moment came during a two-week seismic processing internship, where I watched experts interpret subsurface data. I was hooked.
First experiences
I started my career at Mobil Producing Unlimited in 1991 in Nigeria, gaining hands-on experience with drilling and operations as a well site geologist. I then moved to Shell in Nigeria, marking the beginning of an exciting journey spanning seismic interpretation, exploration and development, new business development, strategy and business planning across several countries including Brunei, Nigeria, UK and the Netherlands.
South Africa move
One defining moment of my career came in 2009 when I joined Sasol in South Africa to lead its global exploration business. This included the somewhat humorous experience of being mistaken for Denzel Washington during a business trip to Uzbekistan. While I can assure you Denzel’s job is safe, the work was serious – growing exploration across conventional and unconventional assets globally. I returned to Shell, taking on leadership roles across Africa and South America, culminating in senior vice president and country chair in Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago highlight
Leading Shell in Trinidad and Tobago was one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. I oversaw upstream gas production and our majority share in Atlantic LNG, a cornerstone of Trinidad’s economy and the company’s LNG portfolio. This role allowed me to combine technical leadership with stakeholder engagement and geopolitical navigation. By working closely with government, community, and international partners, we helped strengthen the company’s position as a key contributor to the Caribbean country’s energy future.
Role in Shell
Currently, based in London, I lead Shell’s global exploration, strategy & portfolio organisation, an integral part of Shell’s strategy to deliver more value with fewer emissions. It’s about discovering and developing assets that can compete for capital against lower-carbon opportunities while providing secure, reliable energy the world still needs.
Meaning of diversity
Real diversity goes beyond ticking boxes. Diverse backgrounds challenge thinking, strengthen teams, and lead to better decisions. I’ve seen first-hand how leadership is enhanced when it reflects the world we live in.
Faith and family
My Christian faith is my anchor. If I were stranded on an island and could bring only one thing, it would be my Bible – without hesitation. Family is just as central to who I am. My wife, Violet, a civil engineer, is a powerhouse in her own right, currently Shell’s vice president for contracting and procurement, projects and technology. With Shell’s support for dual careers, we’ve had the opportunity to raise our two children across several continents, embracing every chapter of life together.
Legacy in motion
Energy isn’t just my career; it is woven into my family’s history. My dad helped shape Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and over the years, several relatives – including my own daughter – have forged their own paths in an industry that powers economies and shapes lives worldwide. I believe deeply in mentorship, in the power of legacy, and in leadership rooted in values, integrity, and purpose. These principles have guided my journey.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut. While I may not have made it to space (yet!), spending my life exploring the mysteries beneath our feet has been just as thrilling.
