Vivo Energy names new MD as Hans Paulsen moves up

Gilbert Assi, who had been group head of distribution, is the new managing director of Vivo Energy Uganda. Photo: Courtesy

Vivo Energy, the petroleum company that markets and distributes Shell branded products in Africa, has announced a new managing director for its Uganda operation and promoted the former holder to a continental role.

The changes, announced on Tuesday, will see Gilbert Assi take over the role of managing director, Vivo Energy Uganda. Prior, the Ivorian was the group head of distribution.

Hans Paulsen, who he replaces, has been promoted to a new senior role in the Vivo Energy Group. “In this new role, Mr Paulsen will be working across all countries in Africa where Vivo Energy operates on a new project to improve our business and increase our customer focus and customer experience,” a statement released by the company said.

Mr Paulsen had been managing director, Vivo Energy Uganda, since November 2013.

Mr Assi has worked with Vivo Energy and Shell for the past 20 years, according to the statement. Before his appointment as group head of distribution, he spent two years as managing director of LPSA, Vivo Energy’s joint venture transport, storage, and shipping company in Madagascar. He’s also held positions in his native Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Guinea.

Vivo Energy took over Shell’s business in Africa after the latter exited to focus on upstream operations. In April, Shell completed the sale of its 20% stake in the Amsterdam-based company to Vitol Group for $250 million. Vitol Group, a Dutch firm, has a 60% stake in the venture while Helios Investment Partners – an African private investment firm – owns the remaining stake.