Eric’s achievements and innovative solutions have positively impacted West African, Caspian, Indonesian, European and North Sea Production, Exploration and Development projects. This has been accomplished while helping to set up, or work in new or established teams with Major O&G Operators, Drilling Contractors and Well Engineering Service Companies. He is well recognised in our Industry for knowledge of Complex Drilling Operations and has served in various boards to provide guidance in setting industry standards. One of his other recognised skills is mentoring and professional development of younger Engineers.

Following graduation (B.Sc. Mech. Eng.) from the Institute of Technology (HTS Utrecht) in 1973, Eric served his Military National Service obligations in Holland and Germany obtaining the rank of Second Lieutenant as Platoon Commander in maintenance and supply of a Signal Force Battalion.

In 1975 he joined Shell International as Trainee Production Supervisor and after training was posted to West Africa (Shell Gabon). Two years later, assigned to Shell UK Aberdeen as Well Services Supervisor. After completing four years in onshore and offshore positions in the UK and Norway, he joined Phillips Petroleum (1981) as Drilling Engineer. The following eight years saw Eric developing into a Senior Drilling Engineer working in Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth, both onshore and offshore, on exploration and development projects. After a company re-organisation in 1988 he re-joined Shell in The Netherlands (NAM) as Senior Drilling Engineer looking after two land rigs. Contract finished (1990) returned to the UK and joined Conoco as Senior Staff Drilling Engineer, mainly working on offshore exploration drilling projects and training Graduate Engineers.

After a reorganisation in 1992, Eric joined Prodrill Engineering as Project Engineer assigned to Shell UK in an Operational role and as Project Engineer for Gannet ‘A’ Cuttings Re-injection study. In 1993, joined Deutag Overseas Drilling Contractor, heading and staffing up a new Engineering team to support the Shell Northern Field LTFD Project (re-drills and complete wells). In 1996 became a Consulting Senior Drilling Engineer/Project Manager and worked for Major Oil Companies and Drilling Contractors. During this time he also worked as ad-hoc lecturer in HPHT and Subsea well design at Industry Training Schools and at the Robert Gordon University.

In 2005 became Staff Senior Drilling Engineer at BP in Aberdeen, working on Exploration and Development projects. Joined Nexen Petroleum (2006) as Staff Drilling Superintendent for two land wells.

In 2007 moved to ADTI and became Staff Technical Manager, responsible for providing technical expertise to the Drilling teams and managing the Graduate Development Programme, accredited by both the Energy Institute and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

During a career of over 35 years in Oil & Gas Industry, Eric has developed from Junior Engineer to Technical Manager, gaining sector-wide acknowledged expertise of O&G production systems, well maintenance, well construction, subsea, and land drilling. Eric thrives on continuous learning, and coaching others best industry practices to provide safe, profitable and environmentally responsible arenas to work in by passing his acquired skills and knowledge to the next generation of Drilling Engineers. Eric is a Fellow of the Energy Institute.