Zoe Yujnovich: A Transformational Leader in the Global Energy Sector
In today’s evolving energy landscape, few names stand out as prominently as Zoe Yujnovich. With nearly three decades of experience across mining and energy industries, she has become a recognised leader who combines technical expertise with strategic foresight. Her journey from frontline engineering in Australia to top executive roles at Rio Tinto and Shell, and now her forthcoming appointment as Chief Executive of National Grid, is a testament to resilience, determination, and visionary leadership.
This article provides an in-depth profile of Zoë Yujnovich, exploring her career milestones, leadership style, and contributions to the global energy industry. It also discusses her education, age, family life, and her impact on the transition towards sustainable and affordable energy.
Early Life and Education
Engineering Foundations
Zoë Yujnovich was born and raised in Australia, where she developed a strong interest in science and technology. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Western Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Materials in 1995. Entering an engineering class where women were a minority, she quickly recognised the challenges of gender imbalance. Instead of discouraging her, this imbalance fuelled her ambition to prove her capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Executive Development
Seeking to strengthen her leadership credentials, Zoë later enrolled at the University of Utah, where she completed an Executive MBA between 2002 and 2004. This qualification added a broader business perspective to her technical knowledge, giving her the tools to manage large teams, handle cross-cultural environments, and navigate the complexities of corporate decision-making.
Career at Rio Tinto
Early Roles and Growth
Zoë began her career at Rio Tinto in 1996, where she worked in frontline engineering and plant management roles in Australia and North America. Her early years included being a Process Engineer in Tasmania and later Plant Manager at Paraburdoo in Western Australia. These positions grounded her in operational realities, safety protocols, and the importance of efficiency in resource-heavy industries.
Executive Leadership at Rio Tinto
Her leadership potential quickly became evident, and she was promoted to roles of increasing responsibility. Between 2000 and 2004, she served as Manager of Business Analysis in Utah, refining her skills in data-driven management and strategic planning. Later, she became Executive Adviser to the CEO in London, which placed her at the centre of corporate decision-making.
Her career highlight at Rio Tinto came when she was appointed President of Rio Tinto Brazil in 2008, followed by her role as President and CEO of the Iron Ore Company of Canada from 2010 to 2014. Leading in two distinct markets, she proved her ability to adapt to different cultural and regulatory environments while delivering operational and financial performance.
Zoe Yujnovich at Shell
Transition to Energy
In 2014, Zoë made the move from mining to energy, joining Shell. Over the next decade, she would hold several senior roles that solidified her reputation as one of the most influential women in the global energy industry.
Key Roles at Shell
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EVP Oil Sands Operations (2014–2017): Based in Canada, she oversaw complex operations in Alberta’s oil sands, navigating both environmental challenges and efficiency targets.
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Chairman, Shell Australia (2017–2020): She returned to her home country to lead Shell’s Australian business, focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and major infrastructure projects.
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Executive Vice President, Conventional Oil and Gas (2020–2021): Moving to the Netherlands, she oversaw a diverse upstream portfolio.
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Upstream Director (2021–2023): In this global role, she was tasked with managing Shell’s upstream oil and gas assets during a critical period of transition.
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Integrated Gas & Upstream Director and Executive Committee Member (2023–2025): Her final role at Shell placed her at the top tier of leadership, making her responsible for some of the company’s most significant revenue-generating businesses.
Driving Transformation
During her tenure, Zoe Yujnovich Shell leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to safety, inclusion, and performance. She was instrumental in helping Shell steer through energy market volatility and in advancing projects linked to the global transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Appointment at National Grid
In 2025, Zoë was announced as the incoming Chief Executive of National Grid, a pivotal role in the UK’s energy landscape. She is set to officially assume the position in November 2025, succeeding John Pettigrew. Her new role will involve guiding the company through the challenges of balancing energy security, affordability, and decarbonisation.
Her appointment has been widely welcomed, reflecting her proven track record in both resource and energy industries.
Leadership Philosophy
Zoë Yujnovich emphasises “how work is done” rather than simply the outcomes. Her philosophy revolves around:
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Safety: Ensuring that operational safety is non-negotiable.
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Ethics: Building trust through transparency and integrity.
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Inclusion: Championing workplace diversity, recognising that innovation thrives in inclusive environments.
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Collaboration: Believing in the power of collective leadership to achieve lasting impact.
This balanced approach has helped her build teams that are resilient, motivated, and innovative.
Age and Personal Life
Age
While her exact date of birth is not widely disclosed, public records and past reporting suggest that Zoe Yujnovich age is in her late 40s to early 50s.
Married and Family
Zoë is married to Jason, and together they have three school-aged children. Despite her global career, she has often spoken about the importance of family, highlighting the challenges and rewards of balancing professional responsibilities with parenting.
Recognition and Influence
Industry Impact
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At Rio Tinto, she demonstrated that strong leadership could deliver results even in markets facing economic challenges.
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At Shell, she helped steer one of the world’s largest energy companies through transition, proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
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At National Grid, she will play a critical role in shaping the UK’s path towards net zero.
Role Model
As one of the few women to rise to the top of the global energy sector, Zoë Yujnovich has become a role model for aspiring female leaders. She frequently speaks about the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to lead in uncertain times.
Future Outlook
With her upcoming role at National Grid, Zoë’s focus will be on:
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Accelerating the energy transition.
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Ensuring affordability and security in energy supply.
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Championing sustainability and innovation.
Her proven track record indicates she is well-positioned to guide National Grid into a new era of responsible growth and resilience.
Conclusion
Zoë Yujnovich embodies the qualities of a transformational leader: technical excellence, global experience, ethical grounding, and a vision for the future of energy. From her early engineering roles at Rio Tinto to her executive leadership at Shell, and now her forthcoming stewardship of National Grid, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also one of perseverance, values-driven leadership, and commitment to creating a sustainable energy future. Whether in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Europe, or the UK, she has left a lasting impact, making her one of the most influential executives in today’s global energy industry.
