CEO Insights Magazine

In the face of the global energy transition, an intricate challenge arises, demanding industries to harmonize energy accessibility and security while simultaneously curbing carbon emissions, working towards a carbon neutrality future. In this endeavor, SLB stands as a vanguard, championing expanded energy access while actively contributing to emission reduction initiatives. Their advanced technologies not only mitigate carbon footprints but also expedite the journey to achieving net-zero status, profoundly reshaping the energy landscape. Within this journey toward sustainable energy solutions, Colin Ke emerges as a driving force adhering to SLB’s resolute commitment to reshaping the global energy landscape in his geography. With an impressive professional journey spanning almost two decades at SLB, Colin has progressed into a prominent figure deeply aligned with the company's vision—" Driving energy innovation for a balanced planet."

Commencing his journey as a Field Engineer, Colin's experience traversing continents and holding diverse leadership roles has positioned him as a pivotal participant in SLB's revolutionary endeavors. With his dedication to sustainable progress and innovation, his journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional communication skills, and a relentless pursuit of growth through continuous learning. His innate ability to listen, coupled with adept time management, enables him to excel in his role while prioritizing customer needs.

In the face of the global energy transition, an intricate challenge arises, demanding industries to harmonize energy accessibility and security while simultaneously curbing carbon emissions, working towards a carbon neutrality future. In this endeavor, SLB stands as a vanguard, championing expanded energy access while actively contributing to emission reduction initiatives. Their advanced technologies not only mitigate carbon footprints but also expedite the journey to achieving net-zero status, profoundly reshaping the energy landscape.

Within this journey toward sustainable energy solutions, Colin Ke emerges as a driving force adhering to SLB’s resolute commitment to reshaping the global energy landscape in his geography. With an impressive professional journey spanning almost two decades at SLB, Colin has progressed into a prominent figure deeply aligned with the company's vision - "Driving energy innovation for a balanced planet." Commencing his journey as a Field Engineer, Colin's experience traversing continents and holding diverse leadership roles has positioned him as a pivotal participant in SLB's revolutionary endeavors. With his dedication to sustainable progress and innovation, his journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional communication skills, and a relentless pursuit of growth through continuous learning. His innate ability to listen, coupled with adept time management, enables him to excel in his role while prioritizing customer needs.

Give a brief about your professional journey. What motivates your daily routines?

I began my professional journey as a Field Engineer in the oil and gas industry at SLB following the completion of my Master's degree. Over the course of 19- year tenure at SLB, I've embarked on a diverse array of roles across various continents. These roles encompass leadership positions, including my current role as the Managing Director of North Asia, where I oversee SLB’s business in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Additionally, I've served as a Global Talent Acquisition & Learning Manager, Special Corporate Program Manager, Drilling & Measurements Global HR Manager, Product Line General Manager, and Operations Manager in different regions. Throughout the jour ney, I have cultivated a strong appetite for continuous learning and embracing new challenges. The excitement of venturing into the unknown brings me daily fulfillment, and the determination to accomplish and explore further motivates me along this rewarding journey.

Describe your academic journey and beyond at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

My academic journey at Shanghai Jiao Tong University was enriching both academically and beyond. During my undergraduate years, I undertook a dual degree in Engineering and Finance. I wasn't at the top of my discipline initially, but I recognized the need to adapt and seized the opportunity to learn and realign my priorities. This determination propelled me to excel in the Power System and Automation discipline during my junior and senior years, resulting in admission to the Engineering graduate program. Throughout my three years of graduate studies, where I pursued my master's degree, I consistently maintained a top position in my discipline.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University not only equipped me with knowledge and skills but also instilled in me the capacity to learn and comprehend the intricacies of my work. It sharpened my ability to think independently, as well as how to collaborate with my team members, and to make the most of the strengths of those around me to create synergies. My leadership skills were strengthened through active involvement in student union activities and holding the presidency of the graduate class in my discipline. My academic journey was greatly influenced by my processor, Dr. Chen Chen, a prominent figure known for her contributions to a contemporary power system in eastern China. She taught me how to delve extensively into specialized subjects or domains and excel at it. I am proud of the comprehensive education I received, which extended far beyond the classroom.

Define SLB as an organization and its position in the Technology and Energy sector.

The SLB brand builds on nearly a century of technology innovation and industrialization expertise in the oilfield service industry. The company has spent the last four years laying the groundwork for its increasing focus on low- and zero-carbon energy technology solutions while continuing to drive innovation, decarbonization and performance for the oil and gas industry and beyond.

In October 2022, SLB announced its new brand underscoring the company’s vision for a decarbonized energy future and affirming its transformation from the world’s largest oilfield service company to a global technology company focused on driving energy innovation for a balanced planet.

Leveraging this progress and guided by its brand promise to drive energy innovation for a balanced planet, SLB will focus on delivering results-driven solutions for its customers in four areas: 1) New energy systems — SLB is focusing on creating and scaling the new energy systems of tomorrow; 2) Industrial decarbonization — Reducing emissions, particularly from hard-to-abate industries, is critical to achieving net zero targets; 3) Digital at scale — Digital capabilities continue to grow throughout the energy industry and have become a key performance and efficiency driver; 4) Oil and gas innovation — Building on its decades of technology advancement, SLB will continue innovating new products, services and technologies that make the exploration and development of oil and gas assets cleaner, more resilient and more efficient, with lower carbon and less impact on the environment.

With a widespread global footprint and a diverse workforce, SLB effectively tackles the most intricate challenges within the energy sector, closely aligning its endeavors with customer requirements. Guided by its fundamental values of People, Technology, and Performance, SLB navigates its path, harnessing its technological expertise and fostering collaborative partnerships to forge a sustainable future. The company's mission revolves around expanding energy access while minimizing environmental impact.

As the MD, what factors shape your effective growth strategies?

As the Managing Director, my approach to developing effective growth strategies revolves around several key factors that align with the evolving corporate vision. This vision encompasses three growth pillars: oil and gas innovation, digital at scale, and seeding the new energy of tomorrow in my geography. In my role, I ensure the implementation of these strategies within my purview by anchoring them to our core values of People, Technology, and Performance. People: Prioritizing our people is paramount, spanning talent acquisition, development, and recognition throughout an employee's career lifecycle. This holistic approach aims to nurture talent from the start of their professional journey to retirement.

Technology: Regarding technology, SLB stands as a global leader. We leverage global technological advancements while also tailoring solutions to meet specific domestic requirements. By enhancing and customizing our domestic engineering, manufacturing, and digital capabilities, we provide bespoke solutions to our clients. Performance: Performance encompasses safety, quality, sustainability, and reducing our carbon footprint. These aspects are integral to our daily business management and operations, ensuring that we consistently uphold high standards.

By carefully balancing the dynamics of the local market, I strive to align our global strategies with current market trends, ensuring their ongoing relevance. Achieving equilibrium between short-term and long-term objectives is a fundamental aspect of my approach as Managing Director.

Describe your leadership approach and principles.

My leadership approach can be described as balanced and focused on prioritization, aiming to optimize efforts and time for my team, managers, and the company. To achieve this, I place a strong emphasis on prioritizing what truly matters and avoiding unnecessary overwhelm. For example, I believe in minimizing lengthy meetings and instead opt for concise, information-focused sessions. I prefer open and candid one-on-one conversations, allowing for effective communication without unnecessary time commitments.

Micromanagement is not my approach. Instead, I focus on providing a clear vision and dedicating my time in building a capable team that can operate independently while achieving our targets. Meanwhile, I offer flexibility to my team in how they manage their own time and priorities by building a result-focused culture, and commit to it. I wholeheartedly embrace accountability and decision-making, even in the face of potential setbacks. I firmly believe that making decisions, even if they are imperfect, is far more effective than indecisiveness. I take full responsibility for both our triumphs and setbacks.

Supporting my team when they need it and fostering trust and motivation are a part of my leadership style. I encourage efficiency, aiming to empower the team to achieve high standards and deliver exceptional results. Overall, my approach centered on balance, effective communication, accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.

What is the future destination you are headed towards?

My journey is fueled by a constant thirst for new experiences and self-improvements. Each day brings a fresh sense of excitement and an eagerness for what lies ahead. In retrospect, I could have never envisioned the heights I've reached today. My drive to evolve and advance propelled me up the corporate ladder. While I may venture into even higher leadership roles in the future, I haven't set specific targets.

My primary focus remains on continuous learning and exploration. I want to enrich my professional journey with a diverse technical and managerial skill set, continually adding to my ever-expanding backpack of capabilities. As my career grows, so does my personal growth, driven by the thrill of conquering new challenges and forging connections with new faces. Ultimately, I believe in making impactful contributions today to shape a brighter future tomorrow.

Colin Ke, Managing Director, SLB North Asia

Colin Ke boasts an exceptional career trajectory within the energy industry, always driving positive outcomes in the sector he serves. With an unwavering commitment to quality, a service-oriented attitude and continuous learning mindset, Colin consistently surpasses expectations, playing a pivotal role in shaping our company's future in the geography he is leading.

Colin’s leadership in sustainability and innovation aligns with the urgent need for a balanced energy ecosystem to safeguard our planet. In the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability, Colin and his team consistently prioritize their efforts to innovate in oil and gas exploration and development, and at the same time to decarbonize the industry towards the net-zero vision.

Colin thrives under pressure, leveraging challenges as catalysts for personal and professional advancement in his professional and geographical domains.