Dangote Refinery Appoints Shell Veteran as CEO to Drive Pan-African Expansion
Dangote Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate, has appointed David Bird, a seasoned industry veteran and former executive at Shell and CEO of the OQ8 refinery in Oman, as the Chief Executive of its Refinery and Petrochemical division. This strategic move signals a significant push to accelerate the company’s ambitious growth plans across the African continent, particularly in the refining and petrochemical sectors. Bird’s appointment, effective from August 1, 2025, comes at a pivotal time for the Dangote Refinery.
Expertise to Drive Growth
Bird’s extensive experience, spanning over three decades, is expected to play a crucial role in steering Dangote’s refinery operations. During his 14-year tenure at Shell, he was instrumental in overseeing major projects, including the $12 billion Prelude Floating LNG project. This deep industry knowledge is vital as the Dangote refinery, a $20 billion facility and the world’s largest single-train refinery, continues its production ramp-up following its commissioning in January 2024. In a LinkedIn post, Bird outlined his commitment to optimizing the refinery’s performance and expanding Dangote’s presence throughout Africa. This focus on optimization and expansion underscores the company’s commitment to solidify its position in the African refining market.
The appointment of David Bird as CEO of the Dangote Refinery marks a significant step in the company’s strategy for sustained growth. His proven track record and strategic vision are anticipated to be instrumental in overcoming any operational challenges as the refinery aims to supply refined petroleum products across the continent.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Dangote Refinery CEO, Shell executive, refinery expansion, Aliko Dangote, oil refinery, CEO appointment, Nigeria, Dangote Group, refinery news, energy sector
