Erin Energy elects ex-Shell man as new chairman. COO takes CEO role

Oil and gas company Erin Energy, formerly known as CAMAC Energy, has announced the appointment of a new chairman of the board and the appointment of its current COO as CEO. 

John Hofmeister, a former president at Shell, was appointed as chairman of the board of Erin Energy.

The appointment is effective the day immediately following Erin Energy’s annual meeting of shareholders which is expected to take place in late-May 2016, when current chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Kase Lawal, has decided to retire as an officer and director.

The company also announced the appointment of its current chief operating officer (COO), Segun Omidele, as CEO. Like Hofmeister, Omidele will assume the role following the company’s annual meeting in May, starting an orderly leadership transition over the next three months.

Commenting, Kase Lawal said: “The board of directors has identified two outstanding individuals to take the Company to the next level. Both John and Segun are intimately familiar with our business, each has a diverse set of skills, and a combined wealth of experience in the energy sector. I look forward to working with Segun, the board and the management team during this transition period.”

Lawal continued, “As part of our ongoing strategy, the roles of Chairman and CEO are to be separated as we continue applying global standards to our corporate governance and ensuring complete independence of the board.”

According to Erin Energy, Hofmeister, as president of Shell, led the company’s US Country Coordination Team of Businesses/Functions of the Shell Group in the US. He initiated and managed the portfolio, profitability, people and reputation objectives of US businesses on behalf of Shell.

Hofmeister is also a member of the National Petroleum Council in Washington, D.C.

Omidele has been with the company since 2011. He also served as Senior Vice President for Exploration and Production for Allied Energy Corporation from 2008 to 2011. Prior to Allied Energy, Omidele held various senior technical and management positions with Shell Oil companies in Nigeria, UK and USA for more than 28 years.