Frank Umole

Managing Director, Axxela GMI

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Franklin Umole is a strategic business and energy infrastructure leader with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and more than a decade in executive leadership. His career spans global assignments with Shell in the Netherlands, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom, across diverse roles and functions. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Axxela Gas Midstream Infrastructure business, where he provides strategic leadership in expanding the company’s footprint across new frontiers. His portfolio of key initiatives includes small-scale LNG development, gas processing projects, and theacquisition of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc, amongst others, with the mandate to strengthen energy access and unlock value across the natural gas value chain. Before this role, Franklin was the Director of Business Development at Axxela, where he leveraged his technical and commercial expertise to shape major gas and power infrastructure ventures and championed Axxela’s entry into the West African regional market. He holds an MBA from Webster University (USA) and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. With professional experience across Europe, America, and Africa, Franklin brings a global perspective, a strong public-private network, and a results-driven mindset to advancing Africa’s energy future.