IRJ Onsite: The 2011 Oil council awards - Celebrating industry excellence

Led by introductory speaker Andy Yakuba (pictured), group executive director of E&P at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and after dinner guest of honour speaker Lord John Browne, managing director at Riverstone and former group CEO of BP, The 2011 Oil Council Awards offered the industry elite a black tie occasion to talk business and reflect on an eventful year.

“It’s easy to forget, looking from the inside, the remarkable work that we in the energy industry do,” Lord Browne said, noting that for all of the criticism that oil and gas garners, “some well deserved,” it is important to remember how integral a role it plays globally.

In an inspiring and candid address, Browne reflected without hesitation on the most damning disasters that have taken place in recent history and openly broached contentious realms such as those surrounding ambiguous public understanding of fracking practises. He reminded diners that there is no such thing as risk-free energy and earmarked four drivers for future consideration: To be realistic about the challenges facing everyone; to cultivate external relationships that rival those strong bonds that exist internally within the industry; to handle crisis situations by reacting quickly and comprehensively (not under-reacting) in taking responsibility quickly while asking for as much help as possible; and to further industry-wide cooperation, which will reduce risk more broadly.

His words provided a fitting atmosphere for the announcement of The 2011 Oil Council Awards winners and the raucous applause that ensued.

Award Winners

Large cap of the year – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Mid cap of the year – Tullow Oil Plc.

Small cap of the year – Nautical Petroleum Plc.

NOC of the year – Statoil ASA

Explorer of the year – Lundin Petroleum AB

Oil services company of the year – Petrofac Ltd.

Executive of the year –Ashley Heppenstall, president and chief executive of Lundin Petroleum AB

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sir Frank Chapman, Chief Executive, BG Group