Seplat Energy Plc has appointed Effiong Okon as chief executive officer, effective August 1, while Tony Elumelu will become chairman, effective January 1, 2027.

The company disclosed the appointments in a corporate filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

It said the leadership changes were aimed at supporting growth ambitions while ensuring continuity in strategy and corporate governance.

According to the statement, the current CEO, Roger Brown, will retire on July 31 after 13 years with the company.

Mr Brown served six years as the CEO after joining Seplat Energy as chief financial officer in 2013.

The company said Mr Brown played a key role in Seplat Energy’s dual listing in 2014 and major acquisitions.

These included Eland Oil and Gas in 2019 and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in 2024.

It said Mr Brown’s leadership transformed Seplat Energy into one of Africa’s leading independent energy companies.

The company attributed this growth to strong financial discipline, asset development and strategic acquisitions.

The board appointed Mr Okon, managing director of ANOH Gas Processing Company, as Mr Brown’s successor.

Mr Okon has more than 35 years of experience in the global energy industry. He joined Seplat Energy in 2018 as operations director, then served as director of new energy.

Most recently, he led the ANOH gas processing project, achieving first gas production in January 2026.

Before joining Seplat Energy, Mr Okon spent more than 26 years with Royal Dutch Shell. He held several senior operational and technical positions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

The company also announced that chairman Udoma Udo Udoma will retire on December 31. Mr Udoma joined the board in 2023 and became the independent chairman in 2024.

He oversaw the successful integration of MPNU and the development of Seplat Energy’s 2030 strategic roadmap. To succeed him, the board elected Mr Elumelu, founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings.

His appointment as chairman takes effect from January 1, 2027. Mr Elumelu joined Seplat Energy’s board in January this year. His investment company, Heirs Holdings, holds a 20.07 per cent stake in Seplat Energy.

Mr Brown said the company remained a strong and reliable partner to the government. He added that Seplat Energy was well-positioned to support Nigeria’s ambitious growth targets.

Mr Okon described his appointment as coming at an important stage in the company’s development, while Mr Elumelu said he was honoured to succeed Mr Udoma as chairman in January 2027.

He said he looked forward to leading the board through Seplat Energy’s next phase of growth.

(NAN)