Heritage Petroleum Company Limited has formally announced Erik Keskula its newly installed Chief Executive Officer.
Heritage says this follows the retirement of Arlene Chow on June 13th, 2023, and the recent announcement of his selection to the post by Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Company Limited Chairman Michael Quamina S.C.
A geophysical engineer by profession, Erik last served as President of the Malaysia Business Unit for ConocoPhillips – the largest US Independent Exploration and Production Company. During his 25-year tenure managing a commercially complex business, he delivered exceptional business results using his deep technical expertise on a mixed portfolio of new projects and developments. He also brings a distinctive leadership skill of expertly managing production in mature assets.
In statement Heritage pointed out that at a recent Company Townhall, Erik assured staff that he will continue to build capacity within the organisation by equipping employees with the right skills and fit-for-purpose business intelligence tools to stay ahead of evolving workforce trends.
Chairman Quamina remarked: “Erik is a recognised technical expert with a track record of delivering innovative and superior results in exploration and technology across various geologies and a range of countries. His appointment is timely for us for a number of reasons, but particularly as we face the challenges of delivering on our production targets in a changing operational environment.
In commenting on his new leadership role, Erik Keskula said, “I am very excited about the possibilities I see for Heritage. Our success will rely heavily on internal collaboration, and I have commenced that process. The Heritage team managing these nationally important hydrocarbon assets is world-class. I believe we can now build off of the tremendous work done so far to ensure that we future-proof our operations and infrastructure to deliver maximum value to the country – and to do so safely, effectively and within budget.
In referencing Heritage’s Business Development plans, Chairman Quamina also acknowledged Erik’s extensive experience with joint ventures and the value that he will bring to the organisation. The company is actively pursuing opportunities that will enhance value through partnerships and service-related joint ventures locally, as well as in Barbados, Suriname and Guyana.
Since assuming duties, Erik has met with the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Stuart Young, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership Team. Erik has also toured several Heritage installations and engaged staff at all levels across several Business Units. Erik is currently conducting budget meetings which will assist him to better understand issues facing the organisation and inform his strategy to take the Company forward.