Q&A with Gerbert G. Schoonman
Gerbert G. Schoonman, a member of the Lean In Energy Board of Directors, is Senior Vice President, Production, for Hess Corporation, a global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. An engineer by trade, Schoonman has nearly 30 years of experience in the international oil and gas industry with supermajor and independent operators in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
On this World Energy Day on 22nd October 2021, we are pleased to share an interesting conversation with Gerbert Schoonman.
Q: What is the significance of World Energy Day to you?
A: World Energy Day brings focus to the millions of people around the world who don’t have reliable energy and the need for solutions to improve their circumstances. At Hess, we’re committed to producing affordable, reliable energy, which is key to creating economic prosperity and raising standards of living, especially as the world recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion on World Energy Day will, and should, center on climate change and technology, but I think we under-estimate the importance for our industry to have a workforce that’s ready for that future.
We need people with skills in advanced analytics, robotics, and machine learning for example — these are the kinds of skills that will enable companies like Hess to be part of the energy transition well into the future. And yet, we are significantly limiting ourselves today. For example, women comprise only 15–20 percent of the oil and gas industry workforce. That is a critical problem. I’ve seen the power of diversity in different parts of the world and my own company, but I find it troubling that the percentage of women in our field remains so low.
Q: You have been a leader in the energy industry for 30 years. Isn’t the industry more diverse than ever before?
A: Yes, we are doing better in the energy industry in attracting young talent, but there is opportunity to improve with women and people of color, particularly at management levels and where technical training is essential for success in the field.
Women and men do best when they are given responsible positions, authority to lead and the support of seasoned leaders who are willing to work with them so they help them be successful.
It is not only important that we recognize the potential of a diverse workforce, but it is equally important that we help develop talent and nurture it.
Q: You are the only male currently serving on the Lean In Energy Board of Directors. What was your motivation for becoming involved?
A: Well, Hess is absolutely committed to supporting the drive for a more diverse and inclusive workforce and we are engaged in various organizations and initiatives that reflect that commitment. Personally, the development of a diverse workforce has been on my mind for a long time. I have three daughters and I am keenly aware of some of the roadblocks they may face throughout their careers.
What a waste it would be if the intelligence and ingenuity that young women can bring to our industry were overlooked.
That is why I am a strong proponent of the Lean In Energy mission: “Empower women in energy and those interested in energy to achieve their ambitions through mentoring, community, public awareness, and education.” We will make that mission a reality only when we work together, women and men, to help our co-workers and industry leaders recognize that our future depends on valuing all perspectives and experiences in the workforce — not only gender, but ethnicity and orientation, as well. We must insist that qualified people be given the opportunity to excel. As leaders, we must be better mentors, coaches, cheerleaders, sponsors, and innovative managers to lead a more progressive workforce in the years ahead.
Q: Considering the growing interest in renewable energy, how does the future look for the oil and gas industry?
A: It is true that our industry is in transition, but oil and gas will be needed for decades to come. In the International Energy Agency’s rigorous Sustainable Development Scenario, which assumes that all the pledges of the Paris Agreement are met, oil and gas will be 40% of the energy mix in 2040 compared with approximately 53% today.
Q: Are you optimistic that the energy industry is ready for change?
A: I am optimistic. Our industry can play an important role in the energy transition if we embrace the best and brightest who bring fresh ideas and ways of looking at our challenges. That includes all that women and people of color have to offer. We have a way to go, but there are positive signs and the possibilities are stunning.
There aren’t many industries that can help raise the standard of living for millions of people around the world, but we can do just that.
Learn about Gerbert Schooman’s Journey
Gerbert Schoonman is Senior Vice President, Production for Hess Corporation, a global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas.
Schoonman is responsible for leading Hess-operated and outside-operated assets worldwide. An engineer by trade, he has nearly 30 years of experience in the international oil and gas industry with supermajor and independent operators in Asia, Europe and the United States, driving efficiency through Lean and cultivating innovation.
He previously served as Vice President, Offshore, leading assets located in the Gulf of Thailand, the North Sea, and deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Onshore — Bakken.
Schoonman joined Hess in 2011 in Kuala Lumpur as Vice President, Production — Asia Pacific, with responsibility for production and subsurface operations for all of Hess’ producing assets in Asia Pacific.
Earlier in his career, Schoonman spent approximately 20 years with Shell. He served as the East Asset Manager for Brunei Shell Petroleum, responsible for growing the asset’s production by bringing on-stream a series of new developments and pursuing operational excellence. He also held various leadership roles with Shell EP Europe, including Asset Development Manager for the company’s North Sea assets, Head of HSE Service Delivery for EP Europe, and Offshore Installation Manager at Dunlin and Cormorant.
Schoonman earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology.
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