Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

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PetroChina's head of crude oil trading resigns, replaced by deputy

BEIJING (Reuters) -- The head of crude oil trading at Chinese state energy giant PetroChina has resigned after 20 years with the company, a rare departure from a state-owned enterprise known for retaining talent in the midst of rapid expansion.

Indonesia picks plantations firm head as Pertamina CEO

JAKARTA (Reuters) -- Indonesia has chosen Elia Massa Manik, head of the state holding company for the plantations industry, as the new chief executive of state energy firm Pertamina sources said on Wednesday.

Viewpoint: Three ways to protect the future of your workforce

RiseSmart: Sathe, S.

With job cuts numbering in the hundreds of thousands, the oil and gas industry has been hard-hit by the massive drop in prices. While no immediate end to the crisis is in sight, there are signs that prices—and hiring—may pick up again later this year.

Wood Group appoints new senior leadership in downstream

HOUSTON – Wood Group has appointed two senior managers to lead Downstream operations in the western region. Troy Norvell assumes leadership of The Infinity Group, which was acquired by Wood Group in December 2015. Bo Stanley will lead Wood Group’s chemical, petrochemical, refinery and industrial activities.

Philadelphia Energy Solutions taps its COO to lead company

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Philadelphia Energy Solutions has tapped chief operating officer Gregory Gatta as its next chief executive officer, the refining company said on Wednesday.

Improve plant work processes with enhanced alarm response programs

MAVERICK Technologies: Millinger, G.

One of the unfortunate realities of automation in process industries is the stubborn inability to improve on the weakest link of the chain: human beings.

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Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

ValvTechnologies Inc. has named Herman Benard Jr. as director of manufacturing. He will have senior management responsibility for the achievement of production, productivity, quality, safety and customer satisfaction goals, as well as spearheading manufacturing process continuous improvements.

Viewpoint: Reshaping the industry toward innovation, certainty and efficiency

Fluor: Brittain, J.

It is no secret that capital costs of major projects have skyrocketed over the past decade. A July 2015 industry report noted that the average megaproject’s cost increase is 80% of its original value, with an average schedule slippage of 20 months.

Viewpoint: A new value proposition for a licensor and EPC contractor

Maire Tecnimont: Folgiero, P.

The drop in oil prices has changed the overall dynamics of the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI), as well as reduced prices for petrochemical products. Approximately $150 B of oil and gas projects have been canceled or put on hold.

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Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Rhodes, Mike

Dr. Christoph Wegner will become president of BASF’s Information Services and Supply Chain Operations division, effective December 1, 2016.