Powering tomorrow demands brilliant, transformative action today
A first of its kind collaborative hub that dissolves silos, removes barriers and fosters innovation.
Leadership team
Jeff Allyn
CEO
As CEO, it’s my mission to do whatever it takes to remove the barriers and bring the best teams together to advance energy innovation and navigate the energy transition so that we can achieve a net zero future. No matter how difficult the challenge, there’s nothing that can’t be solved when you bring the right blend of talent, perspectives, experiences and technology together and hold it accountable to a well-executed plan.
Shirley Golden
CFO
I joined Shell Finance in 2013. I have held numerous roles in the Upstream and Downstream businesses across North America as well and have executed projects in Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago. I am a strong business partner bringing a wealth of commercial finance business experience, a focus on value delivery, bottom-line performance and team leadership.
Michele “Mik” Isernia
Head of Sales
It's my belief that the best relationships, both personal and professional, are built on trust. I’m always trying to build trust and learn from my colleagues and customers. When a community is able to collectively leverage diverse experiences and technology to address common problems and achieve results, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Cristina Mirabal
Head of HR
When people are in a safe and happy environment, great things become possible. My drive comes from creating a culture and building a team where everyone can focus on doing what they love. My job is to make sure that every member of the Onward team can focus on their passion to innovate and transform the energy industry.
Chris Samuel
Head of Engineering
For me, technical challenges are all about solving for the user experience. I have a passion for building well-crafted products that are effortless and accessible for people to use. My diverse experiences in the travel, communications and climate tech industries inform my approach and perspective. I believe in empowering high-performing, global teams to innovate and deliver products that drive results.
Nate Suurmeyer
Head of Innovation
Seeing someone solve a problem outside their expertise brings me immense joy. Innovation is all about having a diversity of ideas and raising up the best, regardless of its origin. I believe the greatest solutions for energy will happen when we bring more new brains to the Geosciences. The future promises to be an exceptionally good time.
Cliff Vars
Head of Product
I combine my interest in science and experience in technology with a curiosity for understanding people’s motivation for using products. What are their goals, needs, frustrations? When we understand the levers that will drive adoption, we can begin to solve the complex energy transition puzzle.
Christine Whatley
Head of Marketing
I love marketing because it is an action-packed adventure, blending creativity with data-driven insights. It's where art meets science, offering new challenges and innovations daily. I am excited to unite a community of scientists to tackle tough energy challenges.
Board of directors
Gabriel Guerra
Vice President Innovation and Performance at Shell
I’ve been a leader in the energy industry for over 20 years and I believe in constant innovation. I strongly believe that if we can dream a better future, we can create it. Innovation and technology, harnessed to aspiration, are the means to a better future for all.
Francesco Menapace
GM Technology Innovation at Shell
I have a deep passion for reinventing business models and scaling high-performing innovation teams. With over 17 years in the industry, I know we have to move faster and more collaboratively if we’re to solve the complex energy and climate challenges we face today. I believe Onward offers a platform that can drive radical innovation and unlock the potential of a community of innovators dedicated to purposeful change.
Martin Stauble
Independent Energy Consultant and Founder
I’ve spent my career in exploration and lived on several different continents. I’ve had a front row seat at the geopolitical show that impacts energy availability, accessibility and cost. With the experience I’ve gained I’m now focused on preparing the industry for the uncertainty and complexity that lies ahead. Onward is providing the digital tools and data resources that will empower the next generation of explorers. I’m particularly excited about the opportunities for coaching, mentoring and training that the Onward community creates.
Julie Ferland
Vice President, Innovation Excellence at Shell
As Vice President, Innovation Excellence, my primary role is infusing Shell’s Technology teams with innovative capabilities and tools to Power Progress Together. Previously, I led Shell TechWorks, Shell’s entrepreneurial innovation hub in Boston. Prior to joining Shell, I held senior leadership positions at Hydroid and Maritime Applied Physics Corporation and served as an Engineering Duty Officer and Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. I hold two graduate degrees from MIT and an undergraduate degree from Harvard.
Jeff Allyn
CEO
As CEO, it’s my mission to do whatever it takes to remove the barriers and bring the best teams together to advance energy innovation and navigate the energy transition so that we can achieve a net zero future. No matter how difficult the challenge, there’s nothing that can’t be solved when you bring the right blend of talent, perspectives, experiences and technology together and hold it accountable to a well-executed plan.
Shirley Golden
CFO
I joined Shell Finance in 2013. I have held numerous roles in the Upstream and Downstream businesses across North America as well and have executed projects in Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago. I am a strong business partner bringing a wealth of commercial finance business experience, a focus on value delivery, bottom-line performance and team leadership.
Andrew Robertson
Finance Manager Shell Deepwater Exploration
Andrew has over 20 years of energy industry experience and has held numerous positions across the Downstream and Upstream businesses in both Canada and the United States. He has an excellent track record of leadership and developing people as well as significant experience in commercial finance, M&A activities, and risk management.