Talib Ahmed Al Ajmi
Al Khuwair,Oman
Summary
Accomplished executive with over 18 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, specialising in exploration and production geoscience. Demonstrated expertise in leadership roles such as Board Chairman, COO, and acting CEO, with a strong focus on project management, financial and risk analysis, and stakeholder relationships. Proven track record in developing cost-effective programmes, managing resources and crises, and executing high-value projects. Fluent in Arabic and English with robust communication skills for engaging with government offices, shareholders, and key stakeholders. Adept at working under pressure while maintaining cultural sensitivity and adherence to safety protocols. Founder of the Geological Society of Oman (GSO) with a commitment to good corporate citizenship and local contractor engagement.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Chief Technical Officer (Consultant)
PetroTel Oman LLC
Muscat, Oman
11.2023 - 07.2025
- Backed up with diverse oil and gas geological and technical expertise, task is to review and analyze available exploration opportunities in Oman to shortlist and pursue prospective exploration assets.
- Dedicate outstanding leadership skills to implement best practices and advanced technologies to overcome subsurface and drilling challenges.
- Effective communication and EPSA management expertise were utilized to ensure sustainable and good relationships with government at all levels.
- Influenced effective contribution and participation in EPSA management committees and sub-committees’ meetings; Technical, Finance and JMC through outstanding and well-established knowledge about EPSA management.
- Navigated complex technical challenges for successful project completion.
- Negotiated vendor contracts for best-value procurement deals.
- Devised technological roadmaps, aligned with corporate objectives.
- Enhanced team performance, instituted effective training programs.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Served as official representative of organisation to public groups or government agencies.
- Set strategic plans to govern functioning of Drilling and Production operations.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify potential growth opportunities.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously whilst ensuring timely completion and quality control.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships through effective communication and engagement methods.
- Collaborated with variety of industry professionals for effective project delivery.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting thorough audits and reviews.
- Liaised closely with clients throughout consulting process, ensuring satisfaction at every stage.
- Provided expert advice on organisational change, resulting in streamlined operations.
- Reviewed company policies regularly, aligning them with changing legal requirements.
- Facilitated successful negotiations between conflicting parties, achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Assessed risks associated with proposed business solutions, minimising potential issues.
- Scrutinised existing and proposed methods and procedures.
- Identified deviations from standard operating procedures, understanding causes and preventing re-occurrence .
- Applied data toward developing optimum objectives, strategies and plans for oil and gas resource maturation.
Entrepreneur -Owner
Soft Coral
Al Khuwair, Oman
06.2017 - 07.2025
- Established Geo-consultancy company to carry-out following:
- Economic Geology consultancy providing Geological technical studies and professional Mineral mining supervisory
- Lead Oil & Gas and Minerals discussions to support Technical board and court technical decisions.
- Led team meetings for effective communication and project coordination.
- Conducted comprehensive market research for informed decision-making.
- Established strategic partnerships to expand business opportunities.
Project Director (OQ, EPC Contract)
Galfar Engineering and Contracting S.A.O.G.
Muscat, Oman
11.2021 - 10.2023
- The Contract Manager, first point of contact with client, OQ, responsible for overall execution and administration of the project as per EPC contract and project plans. Carry out post-award contract reviews; workshops for Quality & HSE, Project Execution Strategy, Commercial and Risk Management on a timely basis. Ensure effective execution of the project ensuring Quality control and robust HSSE management and adherence to the procedures and management system by all stakeholders, subcontractors and vendors. Timely follow up of reports and required documentation as per contract and ensure all contract variations and changes are analyzed for technical and commercial impact.
- Established clear objectives for team performance enhancement.
- Fostered positive stakeholder relationships through regular engagement activities.
- Initiated and monitored quality standards, upheld excellence in delivery.
- Ensured timely completion with strict adherence to deadlines.
- Implemented innovative solutions to overcome project challenges.
- Reviewed progress reports regularly, ensured alignment with planned outcomes.
- Conducted rigorous risk assessments, mitigated potential issues.
Senior Advisor and VP (Consultant)
PetroTel Oman LLC
Muscat, Oman
08.2018 - 12.2021
- Review and analyze concession areas (4 exploration blocks) in Oman to increase prospectivity of exploration assets and overcome subsurface and drilling challenges through strong leadership backed up with oil and gas, geological and oil field technical expertise. Strong management of EPSA through effective communication with Government regulators and offices to ensure sustainable and good relationship with government at all levels. Effectively contributing and participating in committees and sub-committees’ meetings; Technical, Finance and JMC influenced by well-established knowledge and strong leadership and communication skills.
- Promoted diversity and inclusion that resulted in enhanced company culture.
- Guided organisational development with structured performance management systems.
- Enforced compliance standards for regulatory adherence.
- Formulated policies to ensure company growth.
- Achieved corporate objectives with strategic planning and execution.
- Developed business plans, resulting in improved performance.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Oversaw financial operations to ensure fiscal stability of organisation.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for streamlined workflow processes.
- Mitigated risks, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
- Bolstered client relations for increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Fostered positive work environment with open communication channels.
- Built strong networks within industry, opening new avenues for collaboration.
- Established partnerships for expansion opportunities.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Served as official representative of organisation to public groups or government agencies.
COO and Acting CEO
Oman Oil Exploration and Production
Muscat, Oman
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Carried out two duties as COO and Acting CEO. Duties included:
- 1. Determining and communicating organization’s strategic direction with emphasis on cost effective projects and initiatives and implementation of ICV.
- 2. Balancing resources; capital and people; resources productivity and achievement with respect to CAPEX & OPEX and business model.
- 3. Managing company culture which is set of shared attitudes, goals, behaviors and values that controls efficiency of company and overall achievement.
- 4. Rigorous review of arising issues for effective and timely decisions.
- 5. Oversee and take active role in driving company’s overall performance operationally and financially.
- Achievements included; starting production from Block 60 gas and condensate project. Ramping up field output by 30% ahead of commissioning and maintained effective production hereafter. Lead management of EPC contract of Musandam Gas Processing Plant (MGP) utilizing effective leadership and joint discussion with government, contractor and stakeholders. Gained good knowledge of Omani gas market/value chain. Implemented strategic planning, direct relationship with employees and strongly emphasized KPI’s to accomplish cost effective WP&B (over US$ 600 MM) and outstanding performance.
- Enhanced stakeholder relations by regular communication and transparency.
- Oversaw financial operations to maintain fiscal health of company.
- Improved business resilience with risk management strategies.
- Developed corporate policies, improved ethical standards across organisation.
- Strategised long-term goals and objectives with steady focus on mission accomplishment.
- Executed mergers and acquisitions for business expansion.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to secure company's future growth.
- Introduced cost control measures, witnessed significant reduction in overheads.
- Piloted change management programs to enhance adaptability of workforce.
- Monitored operations to assess and highlight results.
- Served as official representative of organisation to public groups or government agencies.
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Cultivated productive work environment through employee motivation initiatives.
- Targeted operational inefficiencies to improve profit margins.
- Oversaw financial operations to maintain fiscal health of company.
- Chaired board meetings for effective decision-making process.
- Developed corporate policies, improved ethical standards across organisation.
- Streamlined processes, achieved better resource allocation.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
- Reviewed reports from subordinate management to identify areas of opportunity.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Directed administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Directed day-to-day work of 1000 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
Chairman and Member of Board of Directors
Abraj Energy Services
Muscat, Oman
04.2015 - 12.2015
- Thorough input and performance analysis of Abraj Energy and implementing new strategies to ensure cost effective performance. Pronounced achievement through overall outstanding company performance with increased revenue, good safety record and 25% reduction of rig NPT through effective HSE standards and oil field practices. Embarked on value added business and ICV initiatives and direct relationship with employees, clients and stakeholders to ensure enriched business growth and securing new contracts.
- Initiated regular performance reviews with senior management team to boost productivity.
- Championed sustainability initiatives for improved public perception of firm's corporate responsibility.
- Directed strategic planning sessions, creating long-term vision for company.
- Proposed new business opportunities, leading to diversification and growth.
- Facilitated open dialogue among board members for more informed decision-making.
- Advised CEO on critical matters, fostering effective leadership at top level.
- Built consensus among diverse board members, promoting unity and shared purpose.
- Developed successful partnerships with stakeholders, strengthening external relationships.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships through transparent communication strategies.
- Chaired shareholder meetings, disseminating information and fielded questions.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Enhanced company reputation for strong governance through formulating corporate policies.
- Influenced positive change within organisation through championing employee development programmes.
- Set annual budgets to maintain fiscal discipline across departments.
- Fostered culture of innovation by encouraging creative solutions from employees.
- Advised CEO on critical matters, fostering effective leadership at top level.
- Provided recommendations on board of directors on group's effectiveness, actions and future plans.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
- Partnered with management team to optimise operations and reduce costs.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
Deputy GM
Medco Oman
Muscat, Oman
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Managed service contract and implemented intelligent oil field projects for PDO Karim Small Fields and established a common ground communication between Medco-Oman and PDO. Maintained good practices; recruited Omanis with emphasis on staff diversity and multiculture, on-target delivery of development wells, on-time project delivery which resulted in 30% reduction of development cost. Achievements included maintaining credible and professional presentation skills, at various levels; BOD, committees, external operations and business meetings.
- Ability to work under pressure, in frenetic environment where priorities and focus may change from day to day, and able to fire-fight as situation dictates.
- Strong cultural sensitivity and respect of cultural religious and race diversity.
- Oversaw daily operations, met organisational objectives.
- Managed budgeting process, achieved cost-efficiency goals.
- Coordinated staff training programmes, improved performance standards.
- Handled high-stress situations calmly, mitigated potential conflicts.
- Improved business relationships via effective networking strategies.
- Ensured smooth business operations whilst managing multiple departments.
- Maintained open communication channels with stakeholders for transparent operations.
- Led team meetings to boost morale and enhance communication.
- Utilised analytical skills to drive decision-making processes.
- Fostered positive work environment by promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- Assisted General Manager to ensure site consistently achieved or surpassed annual financial targets.
- Coached and developed new talent by monitoring individual performance, conducting appraisals and providing meaningful feedback.
- Ensured that health and safety and other regulatory procedures were correctly maintained, monitored and recorded.
- Worked with General Manager to improve employee retention rate by 10% in 12 months by implementing professional development scheme.
- Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events.
- Increased productivity by implementing new managerial strategies.
- Negotiated contracts for better business terms and conditions.
- Managed supply chain logistics, ensured timely delivery of products.
- Handled crisis situations effectively through strategic planning and execution.
- Streamlined operational procedures for enhanced efficiency.
E&P Asset Manager
Oman Oil Company
Muscat/Aktau, Oman/Kazakhstan
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Direct input of geological and oil and gas studies and operational knowledge into technical programs. Managed JV contracts through liaising and communicating with JV operators in Oman and Overseas; Kazakhstan. Effectively contributing and participating in committees and sub-committees’ meetings; Technical, Finance and JMC. Supported and challenged partner operators for improved development strategies and increased value of petroleum assets. Managed Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) of the imported gas from UAE Dolphen Project and Oman gas market and gas regulatory framework. Engineered and managed the development programs with emphasis on sustainable revenues of non-operated petroleum assets in Oman & Kazakhstan and business development initiatives and growth opportunities around the Fareast, Central Asia, South America and Europe supported by due diligence and asset diversification team.
- Optimised asset allocation with strategic planning.
- Constructed detailed financial models for investment evaluation purposes.
- Coordinated with external auditors, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Developed robust risk management strategies to mitigate losses.
- Analysed market trends for better investment decisions.
- Managed diverse portfolio of assets to boost company revenues.
- Boosted profitability by identifying and rectifying inefficiencies in asset management practices.
- Increased client base through effective networking skills.
- Identified lucrative investment opportunities by researching industry trends.
- Performed deep-dive analyses on potential investments, yielding higher returns.
- Collaborated with legal team to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Fostered relationships with clients through regular communication and updates.
- Presented performance outcomes to key stakeholders and highlighted improvement gaps to continue company growth.
- Retained knowledge of legal and statutory requirements to achieve compliance.
- Oversaw potential acquisitions to provide due diligence and maintain financial integrity.
- Consistently evaluated and evolved investment portfolios in calculated ongoing strategies.
- Identified risks and set out mitigation strategies, aiding progress towards company objectives.
- Analysed market trends and developments to track and mitigate risk exposure.
Previous Experience
Petroleum Development Oman
01.1990 - 01.2006
- Broadened practices of diverse Geology throughout Oman geological sites and localities and outcrop studies, 3D resource modeling and development planning. Outstanding geoscience expertise with direct leadership and drive of Exploration and Appraisal Programs and coaching and mentoring of young geoscientists and PE’s. Maintained strong achievements throughput, utilizing robust communication and leadership skills with pronounced integration of subsurface expertise, multi-discipline engineers, strong QA/QC and improved exploration and development well design. Other achievements include; drilling over 200 vertical, horizontal and multilateral wells; exploration, appraisal and development wells, increased oil and gas production by 25%, reached 40% reduction of deep gas development cost, and cut drilling NPT by 30% utilizing interpersonal and management skills and optimized HSE practices.
- Summary of PDO’s work experience and positions:
- Study lead and Production Geology Discipline Lead in Gas Directorate: PDO, 2002 – 2006
- 1. Lead 3D reservoir modeling peer and value assurance reviews cross PDO assets and coaching of Geoscientists.
- Conducted comprehensive study of Government “PDO” small gas accumulations including ranking for early gas development
- Lead Gas Exploration Program for Saih Rawl and Saih Nihayda green fields and associated facilities
- Cross functional contribution and coaching to Geoscience community
- Resident PETREL 3D reservoir modeling expert and 3D reservoir modeling focal point heavily involved in 3D reservoir modeling reviews.
- 2. Seismic Interpreter and Geo-modeler: PDO, 1999 – 2001:
- Applied basic and advanced seismic knowledge to develop synthetic logs and interpret seismic data sets in oil fields.
- Documented seismic interpretation results for several top reservoir horizons including time depth conversion processes and methodologies.
- Produced maps (base, low and high) contributed to quantify structural uncertainties and made basis for reserves booking and field development plans.
- 3. Geo-modeler: PDO, 1996 – 1999
- Conducted outcrop studies to enhance vertical and lateral reservoir continuity.
- Applied advanced QA/QC process to ensure quality control between static and dynamic models.
- Developed integrated 3D static reservoir models to improve reservoir definition and lateral and vertical continuity incorporating outcrop, field core facies and analogue data.
- 4. Production Geologist: PDO, 1994 – 1996:
- Fully involved in well planning, monitoring and geo-steering of horizontal, and multilateral and thin Mesozoic clastics wells.
- Optimized locations of appraisal, development and water flood injectors.
- Drilled over 200 successful wells including vertical, horizontal, multilateral, appraisal, development and sidetracks.
- 5. Geoscientist and Well site Petroleum Engineer (PE): PDO, 1991 – 1993:
- Being well-site PE and ADSV, exposure was optimum including; rig functionalities, drilling operations, shallow and deep stratigraphy construction, geo-steering, formation evaluation, coring and data gathering for various PE purposes
- Supervised and managed well proposal execution, logging, coring and well completions including rehabilitation of existing wells and re-completion of producers.
- Supervising rig personnel and enforced HSE throughout drilling operations and rig moves.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Applied positive customer service approach to increase satisfaction levels.
- Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Completed customer orders with speed and accuracy.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Oversaw daily operations to achieve high productivity levels.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
Education
BSc - Geosciences
University of Arizona
Tucson 01.1987 - 08.1990
Leadership - High Performance Leadership Programme
Said Business School/ University of Oxford
Oxford/UK 10.2011 - 11.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Lead with Impact
London Business School
Muscat/Oman 03.2013 - 11.2013
Skills
- Leadership 100%
- Resources and Crisis Management 100%
- Project strategic planning and Management 100%
- Financial and risk Analysis and execution 100%
- Stakeholders and clients relationship 90%
- Effective Communication 90%
- Working under pressure 90%
- Government relations 80%
- IT: MS office, Petrel, G&G and productivity applications
- Languages:
- Arabic: native
- English: fluent
Timeline
Chief Technical Officer (Consultant)
PetroTel Oman LLC
11.2023 - 07.2025
Project Director (OQ, EPC Contract)
Galfar Engineering and Contracting S.A.O.G.
11.2021 - 10.2023
Senior Advisor and VP (Consultant)
PetroTel Oman LLC
08.2018 - 12.2021
Entrepreneur -Owner
Soft Coral
06.2017 - 07.2025
Chairman and Member of Board of Directors
Abraj Energy Services
04.2015 - 12.2015
COO and Acting CEO
Oman Oil Exploration and Production
01.2015 - 04.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Lead with Impact
London Business School
03.2013 - 11.2013
Leadership - High Performance Leadership Programme
Said Business School/ University of Oxford
10.2011 - 11.2011
Deputy GM
Medco Oman
01.2011 - 12.2014
E&P Asset Manager
Oman Oil Company
01.2007 - 01.2010
Previous Experience
Petroleum Development Oman
01.1990 - 01.2006
BSc - Geosciences
University of Arizona
01.1987 - 08.1990
Similar Profiles
Balamurugan SingaravelBalamurugan Singaravel
Civil Engineer (Maintenance OLNG Sur) at The Oman Construction LLC, OmanCivil Engineer (Maintenance OLNG Sur) at The Oman Construction LLC, Oman
RAJEEV SHARMARAJEEV SHARMA
Project Management, Data Analyst, Service Improvement Lead at Petroleum Development Oman, (Globcom LLC & Bahwan Cybertek LLC)Project Management, Data Analyst, Service Improvement Lead at Petroleum Development Oman, (Globcom LLC & Bahwan Cybertek LLC)
NISHANTH KNISHANTH K
INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEER at SOGEX OMAN LLC, DALEEL PETROLIUM LLCINSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEER at SOGEX OMAN LLC, DALEEL PETROLIUM LLC
Cyril OkpoCyril Okpo
Barista Shift Supervisor at Planner CafeBarista Shift Supervisor at Planner Cafe
Ismail Basheer N PIsmail Basheer N P
Senior Accountant at Al Saigh International Business LLC (Foto & More)Senior Accountant at Al Saigh International Business LLC (Foto & More)