There’s a new leader, and a new foodie in St. Charles Parish. You might have noticed Alex Markos turning off River Road into Shell Norco’s main gate, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, or touring the unique Norco neighborhood as he gets a feel for life and work in Louisiana. Along the way, he’s been asking an important question: where to find the best gumbo in the parish. So far, his most trusted guides have been Shell Norco employees and nearby neighbors.
That focus on listening and building connections reflects Markos’ approach to leadership, both professionally and personally. “You don’t succeed alone,” he says. “The people closest to the work understand it best, and they are essential to getting it right.”
It’s a mindset he brings to his new role as Vice President of Shell Norco, one of the most important sites in Shell’s U.S. operations. The only Shell refinery in the country integrated with chemicals manufacturing, Norco plays a central role in the company’s operations and remains a strong economic engine for the Gulf Coast.
“I was honored and excited to take on this new role,” Markos says. “Shell Norco is an important site with a long history and a reputation for having great people and a strong culture. Throughout my career, I have heard a lot about Norco, so I was excited for the opportunity to become part of that story. At the same time, I understood the responsibility that comes with the role. My first priority is getting to know the people, understanding the site, and learning what makes Norco successful.”
Markos joined Shell in 2006 as a mechanical engineer at the Scotford manufacturing site in Alberta, Canada, a role that shaped the foundation of his career. Early on, he learned lessons that would stay with him: the importance of preparation, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Just as importantly, he discovered that expertise can be found in every pocket of a site.
“Some of the most valuable things I learned came from operators, technicians, and frontline workers,” he says. “People who know the plant inside and out.”
Over the past two decades, Markos has worked in several countries in a variety of roles spanning operations, commercial positions, and strategy. “Those experiences taught me that there is rarely only one way to look at a challenge. They also helped me understand how decisions made at a manufacturing site connect to customers, markets, employees, and communities,” he says, emphasizing the value of listening.
His leadership roles at Shell Polymers Monaca in Pennsylvania and the Sarnia Manufacturing Centre in Canada prepared him for balancing the demands of large-scale operations with the importance of culture, trust, and visible leadership. At Norco, he steps into a workplace widely recognized within Shell for its strong culture, something he quickly noticed.
“There’s a real sense of pride here,” he says. “People care about the site, about each other, and about doing things the right way. You can feel that immediately.”
That culture, built over generations, is something Markos sees as one of the site’s greatest strengths. Many employees have spent their entire careers at Norco, and for some families, connections to the site span generations. Preserving and strengthening that sense of ownership is a key priority as he begins his tenure.
At the core of his leadership philosophy is this principle: safety comes first. “Nothing is more important than making sure every person who comes to work goes home safely,” he says. “That’s the foundation for everything we do.”
His focus also includes environmental performance, reliability, and developing the people who keep the site running. He sees operational excellence and long-term strategy as inseparable, each reinforcing the other.
“You have to deliver today while preparing for tomorrow,” he says. “Strong performance now creates opportunities for the future.”
That future includes navigating an evolving energy landscape while maintaining the site’s competitiveness and relevance. Markos believes Norco is well positioned to do both, building on its strengths while continuing to improve and adapt.
Markos is similarly focused on strengthening connections with the surrounding community. “Norco’s impact on St. Charles Parish extends across generations, supporting local jobs, businesses, schools, and a broad network of contractors and partners,” he says. “The site has been part of this community for a long time. It’s important that we continue to earn that trust every day.
“I look forward to meeting people and becoming part of the community. Every community has its own history, traditions, and priorities, and I think it’s important to listen first and learn more about what makes St. Charles Parish such a special place.”
Having recently relocated to Louisiana with his wife, Lauren, their two children, ages 14 and 12, a rescue dog, and a horse, the move represents both a professional milestone and a personal adventure. “We’re excited to make Louisiana our home,” he says, acknowledging the warm welcome and Southern hospitality. “As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new places, so we’re looking forward to experiencing the culture, the Gulf Coast, local festivals, and everything else the region has to offer. And yes, I’m definitely a foodie, so being somewhere known for great food is a nice bonus. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried so far, but if I had to pick one favorite today, it would probably be gumbo.”
