Zoë Yujnovich: Transformational Leader in the Global Energy Sector
The name Zoë Yujnovich has become synonymous with transformative leadership, resilience, and a clear vision for the future of the global energy industry. With over three decades of experience across mining, oil, and gas, she has successfully navigated leadership roles on almost every continent. From the mining pits of Australia to the boardrooms of multinational corporations, her career is a remarkable testament to ambition, adaptability, and a determination to shape the energy transition.
As she steps into her next role as the incoming Chief Executive at National Grid, Zoë Yujnovich brings with her a legacy of driving cultural change, improving operational performance, and inspiring teams to deliver sustainable growth in an era defined by climate challenges and the urgent need for clean energy solutions.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Zoë Yujnovich was born in Australia, where her early academic and professional path took shape. She studied Materials Engineering at the University of Western Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1995. This technical foundation gave her the ability to approach industrial and energy challenges with analytical precision.
Her pursuit of leadership excellence led her overseas to the University of Utah, where she completed an Executive MBA in 2004. The combination of engineering expertise and business acumen positioned her uniquely for roles that demanded both operational rigour and strategic foresight.
Professional Beginnings at Rio Tinto
Entry into Mining and Leadership Progression
Zoë began her professional career at Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining corporations. Over nearly 19 years with the company, she undertook a wide range of roles that showcased her ability to thrive in complex and challenging environments.
- Process Engineer (1996–2000): Her early years were spent in Tasmania, applying technical engineering skills to improve mining operations.
- Manager Business Analysis (2000–2004): In Utah, she pivoted to strategic roles, applying data-driven insights to business performance.
- Greater Paraburdoo Plant Manager (2004–2007): Returning to Western Australia, she gained first-hand experience managing large teams and operational sites.
- Executive Advisor to the CEO (2007–2008): Her career shifted towards corporate leadership in London, where she advised Rio Tinto’s top leadership on strategic projects.
Executive Leadership at Rio Tinto
Zoë’s rise at Rio Tinto accelerated as she moved into global leadership roles:
- President, Rio Tinto Brasil (2008–2010): She took on responsibility for operations across Brazil, building cross-cultural expertise.
- President and CEO, Iron Ore Company of Canada (2010–2014): Based in Montreal, she led the company through a period of significant transformation, demonstrating her ability to manage change, stakeholder relations, and performance improvement at scale.
Joining Shell: From Oil Sands to Global Leadership
Transition to Energy
In 2014, Zoë Yujnovich made the pivotal transition from mining to energy by joining Royal Dutch Shell, one of the largest multinational oil and gas companies. Her arrival marked the beginning of an 11-year journey that would take her from regional responsibilities to the highest levels of global leadership.
Key Roles at Shell
- Executive Vice President, Oil Sands Operations (2014–2017): Based in Calgary, Canada, she managed complex energy projects, balancing operational efficiency with environmental and community considerations.
- Chairman, Shell Australia (2017–2020): Returning to Perth, she represented Shell in Australia, managing offshore projects, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory frameworks.
- Executive Vice President, Conventional Oil and Gas (2020–2021): Relocating to the Netherlands, she oversaw international oil and gas portfolios.
- Upstream Director (2021–2023): Appointed to Shell’s Executive Committee, she directed upstream operations globally, setting strategic priorities for exploration and production.
- Integrated Gas and Upstream Director (2023–2025): Her most senior Shell role combined responsibility for natural gas and upstream portfolios, crucial areas as the company balanced profitability with the transition towards cleaner fuels.
Leadership Philosophy
Values-Centred Leadership
Zoë Yujnovich’s leadership philosophy has consistently emphasised values over mere outcomes. She champions:
- Safety as a non-negotiable priority in all operations.
- Ethics as a guiding principle in decision-making.
- Inclusion as a foundation for building innovative, high-performing teams.
Driving Cultural and Organisational Change
At both Rio Tinto and Shell, she proved adept at steering companies through transition. Whether integrating new technologies, improving operational efficiency, or embedding sustainability into business models, her approach reflects an ability to balance short-term performance with long-term resilience.
Collaborative Leadership
She often highlights the importance of collaboration, believing that collective intelligence and diversity of thought drive the best solutions. This belief has enabled her to lead in multicultural environments across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The Energy Transition: Her Perspective
One of Zoë’s defining contributions has been her role in navigating the energy transition. She acknowledges the critical tensions between:
- Energy security – ensuring reliable supply.
- Affordability – maintaining accessible energy prices.
- Sustainability – advancing towards net-zero emissions.
Under her leadership, Shell took strategic steps to invest in natural gas, renewables, and new technologies, while continuing to operate in oil and gas. She has often spoken about the importance of balancing these competing demands, particularly during times of global uncertainty.
Appointment as Incoming Chief Executive of National Grid
Transition to a New Challenge
In 2025, it was announced that Zoë Yujnovich will become Chief Executive of National Grid, one of the most influential utility companies in the United Kingdom and the United States. She will formally assume the role in November 2025 after a short transition period.
Why National Grid?
The appointment is significant because National Grid sits at the heart of the energy transition in the UK and US, managing power transmission and infrastructure crucial to renewable integration. Her appointment reflects confidence in her ability to:
- Guide large-scale infrastructure transformation.
- Balance innovation with affordability.
- Lead one of the world’s most critical energy companies into a net-zero future.
Recognition and Influence
Industry Firsts
- Zoë became the first female Chair of the Mining Association of Canada in its 79-year history.
- She has been consistently recognised for her ability to lead diverse teams and deliver results in male-dominated industries.
Board Memberships
In addition to her executive career, Zoë was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Unilever in March 2025, where she contributes to governance and corporate responsibility.
Personal Life
Although she maintains a private personal life, reports indicate that Zoë lives with her husband and three children. She is known for balancing her demanding global career with family commitments, highlighting her ability to lead authentically and with empathy.
Conclusion
Zoë Yujnovich stands as a powerful example of leadership in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. From her early days as an engineer in Australia to her upcoming appointment as Chief Executive of National Grid, her career is defined by adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to values-based leadership.
Her impact extends far beyond corporate boardrooms—she represents the drive for a more sustainable energy future, the breaking of barriers for women in leadership, and the ability to navigate the complexities of one of the most challenging transitions in modern history.
As the world accelerates towards net zero, Zoë Yujnovich will play a pivotal role in shaping how industries and societies adapt, innovate, and thrive.
