Yetunde Adebayo: Leading expert in oil and gas management and project leadership

Yetunde Adebayo is a distinguished expert in the oil and gas industry, with over 12 years of invaluable experience managing complex projects, driving operational efficiency, and advancing supply chain solutions in one of the world’s most challenging and dynamic sectors. Her journey reflects a continuous rise to leadership, blending deep technical knowledge with strategic business acumen.

She stands out not only for her technical expertise but also for her ability to manage high-stakes projects that impact the operational landscape of major organizations.

Yetunde’s expertise is rooted in her strong academic background, which laid the foundation for her career in engineering and project management. She earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) and an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Her technical education equipped her with a deep understanding of electrical and electronic applications which helped her in every role she has held in her career journey.

In 2020, Yetunde took her career to the next level by earning an MBA in Oil and Gas Management from Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University in the UK. This advanced degree gave her deeper insights into the strategic and managerial aspects of the energy industry, enabling her to blend her technical expertise with business leadership skills. The MBA helped Yetunde sharpen her abilities in energy policy, organizational leadership, and project management, significantly influencing her approach to handling large-scale operations in her professional roles.

Her entry into the professional world was marked by a role at Revilo Aerospace, an organization within the aviation industry where she served as a Quality Control Officer from 2005 to 2008. As a Quality Control Officer, Yetunde played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety standards and regulatory requirements were met, directly contributing to the reliability and performance of aviation systems. Yetunde’s technical expertise spans across avionics systems and electronic equipment used in aircraft. Through rigorous inspections and testing, she consistently ensures that all components conform to the highest standards of precision and safety. Her keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence helped maintain the quality of critical systems, minimizing risks and enhancing operational efficiency.

However, it was her move into the corporate oil and gas world that truly highlighted Yetunde’s expertise. In 2008, she joined Schlumberger, one of the most prominent oilfield services companies globally, as a Completions/Reservoir Monitoring & Control Specialist. In this role, Yetunde managed the deployment of sophisticated well-completion tools, such as Safety Valve Isolation Valves and Sliding Sleeves. Her supervision and management of crews during these deployments ensured a zero Non-Productive Time (NPT) record at rig sites, an outstanding achievement that demonstrates her precision and operational excellence. She was also instrumental in enforcing Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards, a vital component in maintaining the safety and integrity of Schlumberger’s operations.

Yetunde’s rise in the industry continued when she became the Service Delivery Lead at Schlumberger in 2016, where her leadership skills flourished. In this role, she was responsible for managing client relationships, ensuring job preparation and delivery met the highest standards of quality. Under her leadership, client satisfaction surged by 60%, a direct result of her meticulous focus on risk management and cost optimization. Her use of Standard Work Instructions (SWI) and her relentless pursuit of reducing operational inefficiencies not only boosted performance but also led to significant cost savings for the company. Yetunde’s ability to balance client needs with operational goals is a testament to her leadership and commercial insight.

Her transition to Ezion-Geber Energy Ltd. in 2021 as a Technical Project Manager allowed her to bring her wealth of experience in managing technical and commercial aspects of projects to a new frontier. She was instrumental in ensuring the timely delivery of projects, coordinating the ordering of tools and equipment, and managing risks to meet strict deadlines. Her proactive approach and her ability to manage diverse stakeholder needs further underscored her capabilities as a leader in the oil and gas sector.

Yetunde’s versatility was also evident in her role as a Research and Market Analyst at PlanSea Solutions Limited/Energy Industries Council in 2020, where she applied her expertise in data analysis and strategy development. She gathered and analyzed offshore platform data and developed global market entry strategies using PESTEL and SWOT analyses. Her work provided crucial insights into market expansion opportunities, demonstrating her ability to combine technical data with business strategy to drive growth and innovation.

In addition to her practical experience, Yetunde has remained committed to professional growth and continuous learning. She holds several certifications in sourcing, procurement, and digital supply chain management, including SAP certifications in S4 HANA Sourcing and Procurement, Ariba Sourcing, Procurement, and Contract Management. These certifications have empowered her to digitize procurement processes, making her an asset in an industry that increasingly relies on digital transformation for operational efficiency.

Yetunde’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the oil and gas industry. She is passionate about education and empowerment, particularly for young women interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Through her involvement in the African Girl Child Empowerment Programme, Yetunde has inspired many young girls in Nigeria to explore careers in STEM fields, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her mentorship and advocacy for gender diversity in the workplace have made her a role model for aspiring female engineers and professionals.

Yetunde has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the industry and academia. In 2023/24, she was awarded the Robert Gordon University (RGU) Union Star Award, a prestigious honor that highlights her exceptional impact on both her profession and her academic pursuits.

This recognition speaks volumes about her ability to excel in her career while contributing to broader industry conversations through research, leadership, and mentorship.

Yetunde’s journey in the oil and gas industry is one of continuous growth and impact. From her early days as a quality control officer with key focus on quality and standardization to her current leadership roles in project management and supply chain management, Yetunde has consistently demonstrated expertise in navigating complex projects, enhancing operational performance, and leading teams toward success. Her ability to combine technical knowledge with strategic business management makes her a standout expert in the field, and her work continues to shape the future of oil and gas operations in Nigeria and beyond.

As Yetunde continues to build on her already impressive career, she remains a vital force in the oil and gas sector, leveraging her skills to drive operational excellence, mentor future generations, and contribute to the global energy conversation. Her expertise, leadership, and commitment to empowering others have left a lasting mark on the industry and positioned her as a true expert in oil and gas management.