Vivo Energy plc (LON:VVO), the pan-African retailer and marketer of Shell and Engen-branded fuels and lubricants, announced today that Christian Chammas, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board that he intends to retire from his role in 2022. Christian has been instrumental in transforming, developing and growing the business since he joined in 2012 and the Board would like to express its sincere appreciation to him for his achievements, including taking the Company through its Initial Public Offering, and near doubling of the Retail network during his tenure.
As part of an orderly succession process, the Board is pleased to announce that Stanislas (“Stan”) Mittelman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer Designate. Stan will join the Company in early 2022, once he has completed his notice period with his current employer and secured a work permit. After an initial transition period, we expect Stan to be appointed a Director of the Company and become Chief Executive Officer in March 2022.
Stan brings over 30 years of downstream energy experience to Vivo Energy and has spent a substantial part of his career operating on the African continent. Since 2016, he has been SVP Africa, TotalEnergies Marketing & Services, where he led the fuel retailing and marketing business across 40 countries in Africa. Prior to this, he held a range of senior positions at TotalEnergies, including CEO of Total Marketing France, and a number of African-focused roles, including EVP West Africa for Total Marketing Services and MD Total Zimbabwe.
Commenting on the appointment, John Daly, Chairman of Vivo Energy, said, “Christian’s leadership, drive, focus on performance and absolute fixation on the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners has been integral to the remarkable growth and success of Vivo Energy since its formation a decade ago. Of special mention is the way in which he has managed the business through the pandemic with his total focus on our people’s safety and wellbeing ─ a true reflection of the leader he is. The Board and I will be very sad to see him leave next year and wish him all the best for the future, and a long and healthy well-earned retirement. We are delighted to welcome Stan to lead Vivo Energy during its next stage of growth. He has a strong track record in developing businesses and driving growth, and this ─ along with his genuine passion and understanding of Africa ─ make him ideally suited to the role.”
Christian Chammas, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since the inception of Vivo Energy, our story has been one of sustained growth, while operating in a manner designed to achieve our vision of becoming Africa’s most respected energy business. I am very proud of what we have achieved and of the people within Vivo Energy, who have been so instrumental to our success over the last ten years. Stan is an excellent successor to take Vivo Energy forward in its next stage of growth, and I look forward to working with him next year to ensure an orderly and structured handover.”
Commenting on his new role, Stan Mittelman, Chief Executive Officer Designate, said, “Vivo Energy is an exciting, fast-paced and entrepreneurial business and I am delighted that the Board has put its trust in me to take the Company forward. Having spent much of my career in Africa, I know first-hand the vast opportunity that exists on the continent and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue Vivo Energy’s growth story in the coming years.”
