Puma Energy announces CEO transition

Mark Russell will succeed Hadi Hallouche and also join the company’s Board of Directors.

Puma Energy announced the appointment of Mark Russell as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Puma Energy, also joining the Board of Directors. 

The new appointment follows the company’s successful turnaround, where the Executive Management led a comprehensive restructuring to achieve profitability once again. This was achieved after Trafigura took a controlling stake and integrated into the Group in 2021.

Russell and Hadi Hallouche will work together as Co-CEOs until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.

“Mark’s focus on performance and delivery as well as his deep understanding of the downstream sector will be crucial as Puma Energy continues to actively manage market risks and capture new growth opportunities. The turnaround and improved financial performance mean Puma Energy is now well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth and success,” said René Médori, Chairman of Puma Energy.

Russell brings extensive leadership, commercial and risk management experience from his roles with the Trafigura Group over the last two decades — most recently as its Head of Energy for Middle East and North Africa. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in developing Trafigura’s Africa fuel trading activity, as well as starting its bunkering business in West Africa.

Puma Energy is a leading global downstream energy business, safely providing energy in more than 35 countries, primarily across central America and Sub-Saharan-Africa. The company’s downstream business segments include fuels, aviation, lubricants, LPG and bitumen.