The face of energy
Peter BennettChief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Clough
The APPEA Journal 59(3) - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ18315
Published: 21 June 2019
Abstract
In this era of technological disruption, when many industries are fighting to stay relevant, the oil and gas industry seems to be stagnant.
It is in this environment where public perception of the modern industry is becoming more critical and as younger consumers grow in both number and political influence, their viewpoints will become especially vital to the continued relevance of the industry.
The oil and gas industry gives itself high marks for innovation, safety and environmental sustainability, and yet the public opinion in these areas is often portrayed very negatively. We have an image problem.
The belief that oil and gas is good for society seems to decline with each younger generation. The public believes the industry is necessary for society, though they still see it as a problem causer, not a problem solver. But support for the industry falls with each generation and millennials are more likely to believe the industry is bad for society and a problem causer.
The oil and gas industry needs to communicate and engage with consumers to identify ways to better understand their motivations and concerns. Clearly there is a gap in how the public and executives view the industry and the time to address these perceptions is now.
To view the video, click the link on the right.
Peter Bennett was appointed as CEO of Clough on 1 February 2016, bringing 26 years’ international experience in the oil and gas, LNG and infrastructure contracting service sector to the organisation. His experience spans contracting business process, operational and corporate leadership. Peter commenced his career as a graduate mechanical engineer with CB&I in Australia. During his 26 year tenure Peter progressed through a diverse range of roles including engineering, project management, business development, operations management, corporate function management and general management. Prior to joining Clough Peter was President, Oil & Gas International for CB&I, based in The Hague. Peter has run multinational business divisions, and has implemented programs to significantly improve cost and operational performance while delivering workforce and order book growth. He has managed global market expansion and M&A programs, and as the VP of Sales, he set new records for business secured for several successive years. Peter has lived and worked across all of Clough’s strategic growth regions, including Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and North America. |
