Spotlight on…

Talk us through your history with Phillips 66 Limited (and previously Conoco) – and how you first came to work with the company. 

Straight after school I joined the army – and very quickly we came to the mutual conclusion that I really wasn’t suited to the army! So, I left and worked (randomly) as a barman, a fish porter and a taxi driver before going to Aberdeen University to study for an MA in Accountancy and Economics. After graduating I joined the Wood Group, initially with Wood Group Offshore, specialising in Facilities Management and Logistics and then with Woodacon Oils, their Conoco Authorised Distributor (a name formed from the combination of Wood Group and Conoco) – my first contact with Conoco. I then did a brief – and again slightly random career shift – and worked for the local newspaper (Press & Journal) for 6 months selling advertising space before applying for the area manager job at Conoco – joining in February 1991. It was a field-based role, and it set the tone for my whole career at Phillips 66. I really couldn’t imagine wanting to be in an office environment – and feel lucky to have had the opportunity to be home-based. Following various re-shuffles and re-organisations of the business, during which I looked after some Retail business as well as taking on the supervisory role of Regional Manager for the north of the country, I am now purely looking after Wholesale (my happy place) responsible for Scotland, the north of England and cargo sales at APT. I can’t believe it’s been 33 years!

You’ve enjoyed longevity and success at Phillips 66 Limited – what do you put that down to based on your own experience?

I guess at its most simple, Phillips 66 is a good company to work for. Integrity sits at the centre of a business that has a strong and clearly defined moral compass. And that has always been important to me. Our dealings with our customers are always open, honest and straightforward. You don’t run and hide when things go wrong. That’s what the company expects – and they are sound and effective expectations. I guess, ultimately, like all good relationships, it was a good fit. It’s never always plain sailing but when you are part of something you believe in and care about, you put in the effort to make it work. And I think they are very good at employing people who are right for the business. I think that goes a long way to explaining why they have lots of people who want to stay.

What has been your proudest moment/moments?

One that stands out (probably because it was so stressful!) was when we changed the software system that effectively runs the company. On the day we changed, we had to make sure that all the pricing worked and everything had been done in advance. Day 1 pricing and SAP was definitely memorable! I was leading a team of eight, and when I look back, I can’t quite believe we managed it. I do remember a lot of sleepless nights, but when it happened, and it all worked properly it was a genuine ‘wow’ moment mixed with immense relief. A stressful but proud moment.

What will you miss most?

It’s a role and a business built on relationships – and it’s the people I will miss. Colleagues and customers. I’ll also miss the problem-solving side of the work. Boats struggling to get into the harbours on some of the islands, for example. Managing issues, keeping the customers up to speed. Making sure they get what they need when they need it. I guess it can be very unpredictable – and that keeps you on your toes. If there’s a problem that surfaces on a Sunday morning, you don’t leave it, you sort it. It’s that type of a business and that kind of a role. And I’ve enjoyed it. And the variety keeps you interested.

What are the skills you need to do this job successfully?

Diplomacy, a good communicator/negotiator, adaptable, self-motivation and be a people person.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

The army’s not for you son! Take life as it comes and trust your instincts.

How do you see the industry changing – what will the next 2-3 years look like in your opinion?

Renewables are playing a bigger and bigger part – and the industry needs to adapt. As a company we have taken a strong lead – and I think that’s vital. If you don’t do it – you’re going to get left behind. The industry has always had to adapt and it will continue to do so. It will take time – but Phillips 66 has eyes on the future.