Malcolm Webb’s introduction to the oil and gas sector came three pints deep during a random run-in at the pub.
He later forged an incredible path in the sector, fullfilling posts with the British National Oil Corporation, Charterhouse Petroleum, PetroFina and the UK Petroleum Industry Association.
In 2004 he took over the chief executive role at Oil & Gas UK.
In his 10 years at the helm of the industry body, he has weathered downturns, witnessed surges, suffered the sector’s tragedies and celebrated its triumphs.
Now in his first sit-down interview since announcing his retirement, Malcolm looks back at his journey reliving the memories and offering up hopeful insight for the industry’s future.
He discusses demanding the political attention the industry deserves, holding court with Tony Blair, the North Sea’s complicated fiscal regime and even gives advice to his hotly anticipated successor.
Watch any of the shorter pieces based on topic or see Malcolm’s full journey below.
Malcolm discusses his big break, his time at doomed Burmah Oil and plans to nationalise the North Sea.
Malcolm discusses the importance of culture, feeling like a “black spot”, taking Sir Ian Wood’s advice, the industry not “getting the airtime it deserves” and the UK’s supply chain success story.
Malcolm discusses holding court with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, the industry becoming “politically inconvenient”, weathering an oil crisis, field allowances and the bid for decommissioning relief.
Malcolm discusses the industry’s reaction to March 23, 2011, his tax “anger management” meeting, this year’s Autumn Statement, the fatal helicopter crashes and how the industry met the CAA’s latest challenge.
Malcolm discusses the industry’s current challenges, the Wood Review, declining production, the role of tax in North Sea exploration and what he hopes his successor does.
Watch the full interview below.
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