Seplat Energy has unveiled major leadership changes that will see Mr. Effiong Okon assume the role of Chief Executive Officer from August 1, 2026, while Mr. Tony Elumelu is set to become Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2027.
The appointments were disclosed in a regulatory filing submitted to the Nigerian Exchange, with the company stating that the changes are designed to support its long-term growth strategy while maintaining strong corporate governance and operational continuity.
Under the transition plan, the current Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, will retire on July 31 after 13 years with the company, including six years as CEO. Brown joined Seplat in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer and later led the company through significant milestones, including its dual listing in 2014 and major acquisitions such as Eland Oil and Gas in 2019 and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in 2024.
The company credited Brown with helping transform Seplat into one of Africa’s leading independent energy firms through strategic expansion, disciplined financial management and operational growth.
To succeed him, the board selected Effiong Okon, currently Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company. Okon brings more than three decades of experience in the global energy industry. Since joining Seplat in 2018 as Operations Director, he has also served as Director of New Energy and most recently oversaw the ANOH Gas Processing Project, which achieved first gas production in January 2026.
Before joining Seplat, Okon spent over 26 years with Shell, holding senior operational and technical positions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
The company also confirmed that Board Chairman, Udoma Udo Udoma, will retire on December 31, 2026. Since joining the board in 2023 and becoming Independent Chairman in 2024, Udoma has overseen the integration of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and the development of Seplat’s 2030 strategic roadmap.
His successor, Tony Elumelu, was elected by the board and will formally assume the chairmanship on January 1, 2027. Elumelu joined Seplat’s board in January 2026, while his investment firm, Heirs Holdings, remains one of the company’s major shareholders with a 20.07 per cent stake.
Commenting on his departure, Brown expressed pride in the company’s achievements over the years, highlighting its financial resilience, strong governance standards and ability to deliver value to shareholders while supporting Nigeria’s energy sector.
Udoma commended Brown’s contributions, particularly his role in driving transformational acquisitions and positioning the company for sustained growth through its long-term strategic plan.
Speaking on his appointment, Okon said his immediate priority would be implementing the company’s 2030 roadmap while developing strategies to maximise the value of its assets and strengthen future growth prospects.
Elumelu, meanwhile, said he was honoured by the board’s confidence in him and looked forward to guiding the company through its next phase of expansion. He noted that indigenous energy companies have a crucial role to play in driving economic development across Nigeria and Africa, expressing confidence that Seplat is well positioned to build on its achievements and seize emerging opportunities in the energy sector.