Equinor and Shell have appointed Neil McCulloch as CEO and Nicoletta Giadrossi as Chair of their offshore UK Incorporated Joint Venture, Adura.
These appointments mark a key step in establishing Adura as the UK North Sea’s largest independent producer, underscoring the company’s focus on operational excellence, strong governance, and a clear vision for the future of UK oil and gas.
Neil McCulloch brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the energy sector, with a strong track record in improving operational and safety performance. He is currently the CEO of Spirit Energy, and has championed the role of oil and gas in supporting the UK’s energy transition. ‘I’m honoured to lead Adura at this pivotal moment,’ he says. ‘Adura has a clear purpose — to deliver secure energy for the UK. I look forward to working with our talented team to build a business that is operationally excellent, future-focused, and grounded in strong values.’
Nicoletta Giadrossi is an experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director in listed and private companies in Energy and Infrastructure. She has led four boards and is currently chairing MSX International, a global company providing technical services to the mobility sector. Nicoletta is also a board member in Vopak NV, the global storage infrastructure company, and in Renew Global plc, the leading renewables producer in India.
‘Adura represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of UK energy,’ says Giadrossi. ‘I’m excited to work with Neil and the Board to ensure Adura delivers long-term value for all stakeholders — with safety, sustainability, and performance at its core.’
The creation of Adura was announced in December 2024, following the decision by Equinor and Shell to combine their UK offshore oil and gas assets into a new incorporated joint venture. Adura will sustain domestic oil and gas production and security of energy supply in the UK and beyond, headquartered at the Silver Fin building in Aberdeen city centre. Work continues towards securing regulatory approvals, with launch of Adura anticipated by the end of 2025.
