Gaurdie E. Banister Jr. is the former President and CEO of Aera Energy, LLC an oil and gas company jointly owned by Shell Oil Company and ExxonMobil. Banister served as CEO from 2007 to 2015. Banister began his career with Shell in 1980. Banister has worked in California, Louisiana, Texas as well as Singapore. In addition to his experience in global exploration and production, Banister worked in strategic planning, information technology and acquisitions.

Active in the public and private sectors, Banister is a Director for the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Banister served on the Boards of the California Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Kern County. Banister is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.