The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Trading Limited is the oil trading arm of NNPC Limited, the Nigerian state-owned oil and gas company. NNPC Trading is responsible for the marketing and sale of Nigeria’s crude oil and refined petroleum products.
The head of NNPC Trading is Jean-Marc Cordier. He was appointed to the position in March 2023, after serving as Vice President of Trading at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Cordier is a renowned oil trader with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has a deep understanding of the global oil market and a proven track record of success.
Cordier’s Appointment
Cordier’s appointment as head of NNPC Trading was met with mixed reactions. Some industry experts and operators expressed concerns that an expatriate had been appointed to lead such a strategic position in Nigeria’s oil sector. Others argued that Cordier’s international experience and expertise were essential for NNPC Trading to compete in the global oil market.
NNPC Limited defended its decision to appoint Cordier, stating that he was the best candidate for the job. The company said that Cordier’s appointment was part of a broader ongoing repositioning drive to improve growth, performance, and service delivery.
Cordier’s Background
Cordier is a French/Swiss national with a Masters degree in Corporate Finance with Distinction from Paris 9 University. He began his career in the oil industry in 1990 at TotalEnergies, where he worked in various trading roles. In 2006, he joined ADNOC, where he rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Trading.
At ADNOC, Cordier was responsible for the marketing and sale of the company’s crude oil and refined petroleum products. He also led a team of traders who managed ADNOC’s exposure to the global oil market.
Cordier’s Vision for NNPC Trading
Cordier has said that his vision for NNPC Trading is to make it a leading global oil trader. He has pledged to focus on improving the company’s efficiency and profitability, while also expanding its reach into new markets.
Cordier has also said that he is committed to developing Nigerian talent and expertise in the oil trading sector. He has said that he will invest in training and development programs for NNPC Trading employees.
Conclusion
Jean-Marc Cordier is a highly experienced and respected oil trader. He is well-positioned to lead NNPC Trading to become a leading global oil trader. Cordier’s appointment is a positive development for Nigeria’s oil sector.
FAQs
Why was an expatriate appointed to head NNPC Trading?
NNPC Limited has said that it appointed Jean-Marc Cordier as head of NNPC Trading because he was the best candidate for the job. The company said that Cordier’s international experience and expertise were essential for NNPC Trading to compete in the global oil market.
What are Cordier’s plans for NNPC Trading?
Cordier has said that his vision for NNPC Trading is to make it a leading global oil trader. He has pledged to focus on improving the company’s efficiency and profitability, while also expanding its reach into new markets.
Is Cordier committed to developing Nigerian talent and expertise in the oil trading sector?
Yes, Cordier has said that he is committed to developing Nigerian talent and expertise in the oil trading sector. He has said that he will invest in training and development programs for NNPC Trading employees.