FAHAD A. AL-BANI
Dhahran
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Saudi Aramco, achieving over $1.5 billion in savings through digital transformation and strategic workforce management. Expertise in unconventional drilling techniques and crisis management, promoting safety and efficiency while mentoring future leaders. Proven ability to optimize project execution and enhance operational performance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President Unconventional Resources
Engineering, Drilling & Completion SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded largest efficiency optimization campaign in Saudi Aramco's history, achieving over $1.5 billion in savings within one year through cross-functional integration and digitalization.
- Oversaw operations in Reservoir Engineering, Drilling, Completion, and Stimulation, aligning execution with business strategy to enhance recovery and economic returns.
- Managed workforce of over 1,000 employees and 5,000 contractors, ensuring safe and efficient operations throughout unconventional value chain.
- Implemented technological innovations across upstream domains, including automation and advanced stimulation techniques for enhanced reservoir development.
- Led capital planning and project sanctioning decisions for one of world's most ambitious unconventional gas projects.
- Chaired multi-departmental committees to align engineering, supply chain, and field operations for optimized well delivery and cost management.
- Championed national talent development through structured mentoring programs and strategic workforce planning.
- Executed lean strategies to maximize operational efficiency across drilling and completion functions.
Manager Unconventional Gas Drilling
SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Achieved 74% reduction in development well costs and 84% decline in drilling time, surpassing U.S. benchmarks.
- Consistently exceeded corporate KPIs across safety, environmental compliance, and operational performance.
- Optimized well design by decreasing casing strings from 7 to 4, resulting in cost and time savings.
- Led first tubingless completion in Saudi Arabia, enhancing post-frac pressure margins and flow capacity.
- Pioneered introduction of walking rigs to improve safety and efficiency in field operations.
- Co-developed rotary steerable system with U.S. experts, enhancing reservoir exposure and recovery rates.
- Collaborated with Supply Chain to restructure contracts for mud, directional services, and cement, yielding significant cost savings.
- Introduced unitized wellhead technology to reduce capital expenditures while improving safety protocols.
Manager Exploration & Oil Drilling Engineering
SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2015 - 01.2017
Manager Development Drilling & Offshore WorkOver
Southern Area SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Drilling Engineer Consultant
Drilling Technical Department SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2012 - 01.2013
General Supervisor Drilling Engineering
Southern Area Division SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2009 - 01.2012
Superintendent Drilling Critical Operations
Gas Drilling Division SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2008 - 01.2009
Supervisor Drilling & Workover Engineering
Southern Area Department SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2006 - 01.2008
Principal Petroleum Engineer
Development Drilling Engineering SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2005 - 01.2006
Senior Petroleum Engineer
Development Drilling Engineering Department SAUDI ARAMCO
Dhahran
01.2004 - 01.2006
Education
Executive Development Program -
IMD Business School
Switzerland01.2015
Petroleum Engineering Degree -
King Saud University
Riyadh01.1996
Skills
- Strategic leadership and vision
- Unconventional drilling techniques
- Engineering expertise
- Completion technology solutions
- Effective communication
- Leadership development
- Motivational strategies
- Problem-solving skills
- Crisis management
- Risk assessment and management
- Time and budget optimization
- Critical thinking abilities
- Innovative approaches
- Project planning and execution
- Organizational design principles
- Delegation skills
- Contract negotiation expertise
- HSE and safety culture promotion
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Talent development strategies
- Succession planning processes
- Mentorship programs
- Empathy in leadership
- Inclusive team management
Languages
- Arabic, Native, written and spoken
- English, High Level, written and spoken
Personal Information
Title: VP UR Engineering, Drilling and Completion
Timeline
Vice President Unconventional Resources
Engineering, Drilling & Completion SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2024 - Current
Manager Unconventional Gas Drilling
SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2017 - 01.2024
Manager Exploration & Oil Drilling Engineering
SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2015 - 01.2017
Manager Development Drilling & Offshore WorkOver
Southern Area SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Drilling Engineer Consultant
Drilling Technical Department SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2012 - 01.2013
General Supervisor Drilling Engineering
Southern Area Division SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2009 - 01.2012
Superintendent Drilling Critical Operations
Gas Drilling Division SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2008 - 01.2009
Supervisor Drilling & Workover Engineering
Southern Area Department SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2006 - 01.2008
Principal Petroleum Engineer
Development Drilling Engineering SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2005 - 01.2006
Senior Petroleum Engineer
Development Drilling Engineering Department SAUDI ARAMCO
01.2004 - 01.2006
Executive Development Program -
IMD Business School
Petroleum Engineering Degree -
King Saud University
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