Nick Butler: Stories that Inspire

The oil and gas industry has caught the imagination of millennials today. The ones too intimidated by the conventional way of working, outdated methods, and harsh working environment, are gradually moving towards this sector. They are bringing fresh ideas, perspectives, and innovative solutions on the table. The world of energy is welcoming the millennials with open arms and offering them the space to grow. The Great Crew Change is taking place and the older generation forms the foundation of this transition. The senior oil and gas professionals are eager to offer guidance, share their journey, and inspire young people. They are here to help you move forward in this exciting and dynamic industrial landscape. Here we have Mr. Nick Butler with us today in our series Stories that Inspire.

Mr. Nick Butler is an illustrious Author, and Commentator on Energy Policy issues in the UK and internationally. He takes us back to the times when the oil and gas industry fascinated him. In the year 1977, Mr.Butler joined the British oil firm BP, ultimately becoming Group Vice-President for Strategy and Policy Development (2002 to 2006). Presently, a Visiting Professor at King’s College (London), he is also a member of the Strategic Advisory Council of Equinor.

Mr. Nick Butler has been in the industry for almost 30 years and still continues to be an integral part of this world. We have so much to learn from him.

In conversation with Nick Butler

What motivated you to join the oil and gas industry?

The development of the North Sea oil and gas fields was just starting when I was a student and so the industry was very prominent and attractive.

Tell us a little about your time in BP.

I joined as an economist and did all sorts of economic, commercial and planning jobs.  Then I worked on investor relations and met the future CEO, John Browne. We got on well and I worked for him in many different roles including Head of Government Affairs for the upstream part of BP, then as Group Policy Adviser and finally as Group Vice President for Strategy and Policy Development.  In all, I was with BP for 29 years.

What professional designation are you most proud to have earned, and why?

Being head of Strategy was the main role.

Tell us about some of the most inspiring people you have met in the industry.

Too many to list – from the CEOs I worked for to the people running oil fields in Alaska, the North Sea, Russia, and Colombia.

What was the best and worst aspect of your work in the industry, and why?

Working for the CEO gave me a great overview of the whole company and the chance to meet all sorts of people from Nelson Mandela to Tony Blair to the Chinese President.

Tell us an interesting and unique aspect of the oil and gas industry.

The industry gives you the chance to understand the interplay of politics, technology, and commerce at the highest level.

How does your industry experience affect your life today?

I still work on energy issues including as an adviser to Equinor and author of the weekly blog for the Financial Times.

A defining moment in your career?

Getting the letter offering me a job at BP.

What would you say to the millennials keen on joining the industry?

In your opinion, what aspect of the industry should be discussed more in the larger community?

It’s quality.  The people involved are intelligent and serious and have a full view of the world.

Most importantly, how do you look back at your journey in this exciting and dynamic industry?

With great pleasure and a sense that I was very lucky.

Nick Butler: Stories that Inspire

Mr. Nick Butler’s story brings many interesting perspectives on the table. It gives an idea of how diverse and magnificent the world of oil and gas is. Being a part of this industry is a complete journey in itself. In our brief conversation with Mr. Nick Butler, we got an insight into the diversity of roles, the wide expanse of oil and gas geography, and the sheer brilliance of people driving the growth of this sector. With great delight, Mr. Nick Butler remarks that he has been extremely fortunate to be part of this industrial landscape.

We are extremely thankful to Mr. Nick Butler for taking out some time and sharing his journey in oil and gas with us. We hope his story inspires you and helps you lead change and innovative solutions across the global oil and gas community.

(This is an excerpt from an interview with Mr. Nick Butler. The views and opinions expressed in this article, other than those of Mr.Nick Butler, are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Energy Dais.)