Studio X, a global innovation studio powered by Shell reimagining the future of work in energy exploration, recently announced the appointment of Jeff Allyn as CEO.

“Jeff brings the right kind of innovative background and digital tech experience for a burgeoning company like ours,” Francesco Menapace, general manager of exploration technology at Shell, commented in a company release on Jan. 18. “We’re very excited to welcome him and look forward to great things ahead.”

Studio X Jeff Allyn headshot
Jeff Allyn

Based in Austin, Texas, Studio X aims to fuel big ideas by challenging the R&D status quo and launching innovative products with the goal of reimagining energy exploration. The company launched in September 2020 with three products focused specifically on energy exploration and discovery: Xeek, XCover and SixLab.

In November, Studio X also launched the “Go With the Flow” tool, which the company described as an example of the kind of products the company and the future of crowdsourced technology has to offer.

Allyn brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership roles, driving expansion of startups and large business units. He succeeds Paul Genberg, who had served as interim CEO since January 2021 and is now head of product at Studio X.

“I am humbled and excited to have been selected to lead Studio X into our next phase of growth,” Allyn added.

“I look forward to working with the team to build on an already incredible foundation,” he continued. “Together we will evolve the global exploration and energy space fueled by technology to capture the enormous opportunity before us.”

Most recently, Allyn served as vice president of operations at Simpler Trading, a premier trading community with over 200 years of combined market experience. Prior to Simpler Trading, Allyn served as CEO at NXT board, chief revenue office at Carnegie Technologies and LocationSmart, as well as president of Locaid Technologies.