In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s energy sector, Adesua Dozie made history in June 2023 when she became the first woman ever appointed Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil’s Nigerian affiliates—Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited. This groundbreaking achievement came after the company’s 70-year presence in the country, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential corporate leaders.
Adesua’s journey to the top began with an exceptional educational foundation. She earned a law degree from the prestigious University of Buckingham in the UK, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Cornell Law School in New York. Her international education equipped her with a global perspective, which later proved invaluable as she advised multinational corporations across Africa.
Before her historic appointment at ExxonMobil, Adesua built an impressive career through strategic roles. At GE Africa, where she served as General Counsel, she provided crucial legal guidance for the company’s continental expansion and played a pivotal role in high-stakes business decisions, gaining deep insight into pan-African operations. Earlier in her career, her time at Elf Petroleum (now Total Upstream) gave her specialised experience in upstream oil and gas, along with hands-on knowledge of the sector’s complexities and legal landscape.
Adesua joined ExxonMobil in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating her leadership capabilities. She was first appointed General Counsel, then promoted to Executive Director later that same year, before making history in 2023 as Vice Chairman. Her rapid ascent speaks volumes about her expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate the intricate world of multinational energy corporations.
Lessons from Adesua’s Success
1. The Power of Preparation – Her top-tier education laid the foundation for her achievements, proving that investing in knowledge yields long-term rewards.
2. Strategic Career Moves – Her calculated transitions between companies allowed her to build diverse expertise across industries.
3. Breaking Barriers – As the first female Vice Chairman in ExxonMobil’s Nigerian operations, she is paving the way for more women in leadership.
4. Global Mindset, Local Impact – Her international education, combined with deep African experience, makes her uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change.
Adesua Dozie represents a new generation of African corporate leaders—highly educated, globally experienced, and unafraid to challenge traditional barriers. Her journey is particularly inspiring for young women pursuing careers in male-dominated fields, professionals aiming for C-suite positions, and anyone who believes glass ceilings are meant to be shattered.
In a world where women hold just 8.2% of Fortune 500 CEO positions (as of 2023), Adesua’s achievement is monumental. She isn’t just succeeding in her career—she is redefining what’s possible for African women in corporate leadership.
