Chevron Names Emmanuelle Garinet Director of Exploration for the Americas and Africa
Energy supermajor Chevron has appointed Emmanuelle Garinet as Director of Exploration for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, placing one of the industry’s most experienced geophysicists in charge of discovery efforts across two major hydrocarbon regions.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomed the appointment, noting that Garinet’s decades of African exploration experience could attract new investment, accelerate geological understanding, and strengthen collaboration between operators and host governments.
Africa Exploration Focus
Chevron is expanding exploration-led growth in Africa. In Namibia, the company plans to drill a new well in PEL 82 between 2026 and 2027, following earlier deepwater exploration in the Orange Basin.
In Nigeria, Chevron acquired a 40% stake from TotalEnergies in PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, with drilling planned near the Agbami field in late 2026.
Angola remains a key hub. In December 2025, Chevron achieved first oil at the South N’dola platform, producing 25,000 barrels per day.
Associated gas is routed to the Angola LNG plant, supporting gas monetization and reducing flaring.
Americas and Global Portfolio
In the U.S., Chevron’s Permian Basin output is projected to reach around one million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026, while deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico continue to support long-term growth.
In South America, Chevron holds a strong position in Guyana’s Stabroek Block following its acquisition of Hess Corporation. Development in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation also contributes to regional production growth.
Garinet’s Career and Impact
Garinet brings over three decades of exploration experience, including leadership roles in Nigeria, Gabon, Namibia, and South America.
At TotalEnergies, she led the team behind the Venus discovery offshore Namibia, one of the largest deepwater finds in recent years.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, said: “Emmanuelle Garinet’s appointment at Chevron signals the continued importance of African energy development and the role of experienced leadership in unlocking new resources.”
Garinet has also been a prominent advocate for African energy, speaking at African Energy Week to emphasize advanced seismic data, frontier exploration, and efficient permitting as drivers for investment.
