Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of three independent non-executive directors, effective 25 September 2026. The appointments, approved in accordance with the Namibia Securities Exchange Listings Requirements, bring new expertise to the company's board. Debmarine Namibia chief executive officer Willy Mertens has been appointed as chairman of the board. Mertens has extensive experience in the industry, having led Debmarine Namibia's fleet of specialised offshore diamond recovery and exploration vessels.
Mertens has a strong background in finance and leadership, having served as chief financial officer of Debmarine Namibia, Namdeb Holdings, and De Beers Namibia Holdings between 2013 and 2022. He joined Debmarine Namibia in 2006 and has held various roles, including internal audit positions at Namdeb and KPMG Namibia. Mertens is also deputy chairperson of the Development Bank of Namibia and serves on the boards of Old Mutual Investment Group Namibia and Namibia Energy Transition Fund Managers.
The second new independent non-executive director is Otto Nakasole Shikongo, the former chief executive officer of Debmarine Namibia. Shikongo led Debmarine Namibia from December 2003 until his retirement in 2022 and has a long history with Namdeb, Debswana, and Debmarine Namibia, dating back to 1988. He currently serves as chairperson of FirstRand Namibia and a non-executive director of First National Bank of Namibia. Shikongo has also held various board positions, including the Namibia Securities Exchange and National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia.
Bridget Venner, a geoscientist and oil and gas executive with over 40 years of experience, has been appointed as the third independent non-executive director. Venner worked with Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil across several regions and served as vice president and general manager of ExxonMobil Namibia from 2019 to 2024. During her tenure, she led the company's offshore frontier exploration business and advised the government on oil and gas legislation and its regulatory framework.
The appointments bring significant expertise to Skeleton Basin's board, which now comprises Mertens as independent non-executive chairman, Shikongo and Venner as independent non-executive directors, Romé Mostert and Chastin Bassingthwaighte as non-executive directors, and Rowland Brown and Taimi Nangula Itembu as executive directors. Mertens' leadership experience and industry knowledge are expected to drive growth and strategic development.
Mertens' qualifications include being a Chartered Accountant (SA) (NAM) and Certified Internal Auditor, with expertise in mining engineering and advanced taxation. Shikongo has also held various leadership positions, including president of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia and chairperson of the Namibia Training Authority. Venner's experience in the oil and gas sector is expected to inform the company's strategic decisions.
The appointments are expected to enhance Skeleton Basin's governance and strategic capabilities. The company's board now has a strong balance of executive and non-executive directors, with diverse expertise and experience. Key appointments include Mertens as chairman, Shikongo and Venner as independent non-executive directors, and a board comprising seven members.
Key points
- Skeleton Basin Investments Limited has appointed Willy Mertens as chairman and two other independent non-executive directors, effective 25 September 2026.
- The appointments bring significant expertise to the company's board, with Mertens, Shikongo, and Venner contributing their industry knowledge and experience.
- The company's board now comprises seven members, with a strong balance of executive and non-executive directors.
