Dorman Long Appoints Chris Ijeli as New Managing Director

Peter Uzoho

Dorman Long Engineering, West Africa’s oilfield equipment, structural steel and fabrication company has announced the appointment of engineering expert, Mr. Chris Ijeli, as its new Managing Director.

With a track record of driving growth and innovation in the engineering sector, Ijeli is expected to play a key role in furthering the company’s commitment to local content and infrastructural development.

The company announced Ijeli’s appointment yesterday in Lagos during a press conference and facility tour of the oil firm’s fabrication yard.

The new managing director joined  Dorman Long Engineering with a laudable background and a wealth of experience that would propel the company to greater heights in the steel engineering and fabrication industry.

With over 38 years of experience in project management and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for oil and gas, manufacturing and heavy industry, the company said Ijeli would  undertake full responsibility for the leadership and development of Dorman Long’s operations across the continent.

Commenting on his appointment, Ijeli stated, “I am honoured and humbled to take on the mantle as Managing Director, joining an exceptional team at Dorman Long Engineering.

“Dorman Long has established itself as a pioneering force in the engineering industry with a solid legacy of excellence. I look forward to building upon its rich heritage and working together to deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions to clients, whilst exploring new opportunities for growth.”

In his previous roles, the new managing director was said to have successfully envisioned and executed projects worth over $1.5 billion, transforming the face of infrastructure and driving the national and economic development of Nigeria.

Conveying the board’s enthusiasm for the new phase, Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering, Dr Timi Austen-Peters, said, “Engr. Chris’s enthusiasm for embracing innovative technologies will be instrumental in driving Dorman Long’s continued growth and market leadership.

“Under his guidance, we are confident that the company will undoubtedly scale new heights, build on our strong foundations, and create lasting value for all stakeholders and the nation. We have been a partner in the development and progress of Nigeria from independence and it remains our mission to continue being a partner in the evolution and development of Nigeria.”

However, Dorman Long also announced the appointment of Dr Babajide Agunbiade, as a new Independent Non-Executive Director on its board.

As the CEO of Alpha Energy Resources, a diversified conglomerate with interests in offshore production and mining, the company described Agunbiade as one of the world’s leading offshore production experts and one of only 13 subject matter experts globally in Subsea production systems.

The oilfield firm said the new Independent Non-Executive Director brings decades of experience to his new role in which he will continue to support Dorman Long’s focus on making a substantial impact not only on the industry but in the communities in which it operates, and beyond.

With the appointment of two esteemed experts driving and supporting strategic growth and development, Dorman Long Engineering is poised to remain at the forefront of the engineering industry. Since its establishment in 1949, Dorman Long has remained committed to furthering the growth of the engineering sector in Nigeria and the sub-Saharan African region.