About Tanya Kabalin

Tanya matriculated from Roedean in 1993, and from Wits University in 1997 with a B.Com with distinction. Tanya joined Shell South Africa on its graduate programme, moving immediately down to their head office in Cape Town.

Thankful for the inspiration she received at Roedean where she learnt that a woman can do anything she puts her mind to, she cut her teeth in demanding sales and marketing roles in the tough world of oil and the mining industry. She seized the opportunity to relocate to London with her husband, Alex, in 2001. One job became six as opportunities sprang up to execute a ‘practical MBA’ across all facets of the oil industry, dabbling in sales in a mix of regional and global roles. Relishing the diversity of working across so many cultures, and thriving on the technical demands of each new assignment, Tanya spent 11 years in the UK.

Two beautiful children, Nina and Jasper, arrived in between the chaos of work and travel, and eventually the pull of home beckoned. The family returned to Cape Town in 2011, and Tanya returned to Shell. She is now the Managing Director of the Downstream business which encompasses everything from the import of oil, the refinery in Durban, all storage and logistics, as well as all sales and marketing activities. She is also a Board member of Shell South Africa, SAPREF Refinery, and the International School of Cape Town.

When not working hard, or jetting off somewhere in the world, Tanya enjoys spending time with her family and friends (and dogs) just chilling at home, reading a good book or playing a board game, hiking the mountains, taking a gentle run or simply savouring a delicious meal and good red wine in the Cape wine lands.