Excel Ukpohor: A Visionary Leader Redefining Energy and Business Strategy

Excel Ukpohor, a distinguished leader in the global energy industry, has built a career defined by innovation, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of operational and strategic improvements.

With over two decades of experience across some of the most complex and critical domains in the sector, Ukpohor has emerged as a trusted authority in business strategy, process optimization, and performance leadership.

Currently serving as Performance Lead at Shell Global International B.V. in the Netherlands, Ukpohor has been instrumental in advancing Shell’s global operational standards.

At the heart of his recent contributions is the development and rollout of the Safety, Environment & Asset Management (SEAM) Standards within Shell’s Performance Framework.

This initiative, involving 157 practices across five critical process domains, has not only streamlined operations across Shell’s global assets but also established a sustainable foundation for continuous improvement in safety, reliability, and performance.

Ukpohor’s ability to deliver on transformative initiatives stems from a career rooted in technical expertise and enriched by strategic acumen.

His tenure at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) marked a significant chapter in his professional journey.

Rising through the ranks to hold key leadership positions such as Strategic Asset Management Planning Lead and Non-Technical Interface Lead for the Train 7 Project, Ukpohor demonstrated an unparalleled ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects.

His leadership during the Train 7 Project, a landmark initiative for NLNG, involved managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local communities, and international contractors.

In this role, he successfully coordinated the project’s non-technical interface, aligning human resource strategies, industrial relations, and operational readiness deliverables to achieve seamless integration and execution.

In demonstrating his asset management and operations excellence capabilities and competence, he led the reframing of the rejuvenation program of the portfolio of assets worth over $400 million, ensuring the long-term sustainability of NLNG’s operations.

He also developed a number of asset management processes for the operations of the 6-Train LNG plant such as the Obsolescence Management Process, Asset Disposal Process, and the Long-term Turnaround Process.

Ukpohor’s journey began with a deep technical foundation, serving as a Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Operator and later overseeing commissioning and start-up operations for LNG Trains 4, 5, and 6.

He also contributed largely to configuring the various operations applications that are used in monitoring various parameters outside of the DCS, logging operations activities and delivering operational instructions to the operations team.

His expertise in process optimization and plant operations formed the bedrock of his career, enabling him to transition into roles requiring broader strategic oversight.

Complementing his professional achievements is Ukpohor’s robust academic background.

He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on management from Grand Canyon University, Arizona USA; an MBA in Energy and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, and an MSc in Process Technology and Management from the University of Strathclyde, UK.

These qualifications have provided him with a unique multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to address the complexities of modern energy systems while driving business growth and sustainability.

A prolific contributor to thought leadership in the energy sector, Ukpohor has authored several influential papers addressing critical industry challenges, including natural gas reservoir modelling, environmental issues in energy production, and regional energy market integration.

His work has been showcased at global platforms such as the World Gas Conference, Society of Petroleum Engineers, and Nigeria Gas Association, earning him accolades for the depth of his insights and the practical applicability of his solutions.

Ukpohor’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the “200 Biggest Voices in Leadership” by LeadersHum, a reflection of his influence and thought leadership within and beyond the energy sector.

His numerous awards, including the NLNG MD/CEO Award for Systemic Achievement and Chevron’s Best Engineering Student accolade, underscore his commitment to excellence and innovation throughout his career.

His professional certifications further illustrate his dedication to continuous learning and improvement. He is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence, a Certified Customer Experience Professional, and a Certified Management Consultant, among other distinctions.

These credentials enhance his ability to lead in dynamic environments, ensuring that his contributions remain relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving industry.

Excel Ukpohor’s career is a masterclass in leadership at the intersection of technical expertise, strategic vision, and operational excellence.

His work at Shell and NLNG reflects a deep commitment to driving transformative change, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainable growth in the energy sector. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, leaders like Ukpohor are shaping the future, setting new standards of excellence, and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

For organizations and stakeholders looking to navigate the complexities of modern energy systems, Ukpohor’s career offers a roadmap for achieving lasting impact.

His legacy is not just one of personal achievement but of profound contributions to the industry he has dedicated his life to advancing.