Chevron taps former TotalEnergies exploration leader to oversee Africa, Americas portfolio

Chevron has appointed Emmanuelle Garinet as Director of Exploration for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, placing a veteran geophysicist and former TotalEnergies exploration leader in charge of discovery strategy across two of the company’s most important upstream regions. 

Garinet brings more than three decades of international exploration experience spanning Africa, South America and other global petroleum provinces. Her appointment comes as Chevron continues to pursue exploration opportunities across frontier basins in Africa and established producing regions throughout the Americas.

“Exploration leadership with deep technical expertise and real experience in Africa’s basins is critical as the continent seeks to unlock new resources and attract global investment,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). “Emmanuelle Garinet brings decades of geological insight and international exploration leadership. Her appointment at Chevron sends a strong signal about the continued importance of African energy development.”

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, Chevron is advancing several exploration and development initiatives as international oil companies renew interest in offshore prospects across the region.

Namibia has emerged as one of the world’s most closely watched exploration frontiers following a series of major discoveries in the Orange basin. Chevron is evaluating prospects in the Walvis basin and plans to drill an exploration well in Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 82 between 2026 and 2027.

In West Africa, Chevron is expanding its deepwater presence offshore Nigeria after acquiring a 40% stake from TotalEnergies in offshore licenses PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. The company is expected to deploy a drilling rig in late 2026 targeting resources near the Agbami field.

Angola remains another cornerstone of Chevron’s African portfolio. In December 2025, the company achieved first oil from the South N’dola platform in Block 0, producing approximately 25,000 bopd using existing infrastructure. Associated gas from the project is being supplied to the Angola LNG plant, supporting the country’s gas monetization strategy while reducing flaring.

Beyond Africa, Chevron maintains a large upstream portfolio across the Americas.

In the United States, the company continues to expand production in the Permian basin, where output is projected to approach 1 MMboed in 2026. Deepwater developments in the Gulf of Mexico also remain a key component of Chevron’s long-term production growth strategy.

In South America, Chevron holds a stake in Guyana’s Stabroek block through its acquisition of Hess Corp., positioning the company within one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore oil provinces. Meanwhile, unconventional development in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation continues to support regional production growth.

Garinet began her career as a geophysicist specializing in seismic interpretation and subsurface analysis before moving into leadership roles overseeing global exploration portfolios. During her tenure at TotalEnergies, she held senior positions managing exploration programs across multiple regions, including Nigeria, Gabon and South America.

Among her most notable achievements was leading the exploration team responsible for the Venus discovery offshore Namibia—one of the largest deepwater oil discoveries in recent years and a project expected to move toward final investment decision in 2026.