Texaco people profile: Pat McCloud

I have worked in the lubricants industry for more than 15 years, with experience in a variety of commercial and supply chain roles, including country management, strategy, procurement, sales and operations management, and global supply chain. Prior to that, I also spent five years working in the automotive industry in the United States.

What do you believe Texaco has to offer customers?

We have products with outstanding technical performance, world class supply reliability, and a strong team in Europe, ready and willing to meet and exceed our customers’ needs and expectations. 

What is your most rewarding project to date?

My most rewarding project was also one of the most challenging. I led Chevron Lubricants in Sri Lanka through a business turnaround amidst political challenges, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the industry currently?

Coming out of the pandemic and with ongoing political upheaval, supply chain challenges have remained one of the top issues facing the lubricants industry. Though the crude oil market has stabilised, the supply chain remains tight in the petrochemical space and inflation is an issue felt fromthe supplier to the end customer. 

I love listening to podcasts, with a mixture of topics from business and personal development to sports. Scott Galloway, Kara Swisher, Marketplace, Adam Grant, Simon Sinek, and The Ringer podcast networks are just some of my favourites.

What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?

Say yes to every opportunity! Take stretch roles that place you outside of your comfort zone, and if you have the opportunity for an expatriate experience, take it! Finally, be curious. Our industry is a mature one defined by subject matter experts with decades of experience. Ask questions and takenotes.

What’s the best piece of advice you have heard?

A quote from world champion weight lifter, poet and author, Jerzy Gregorek, has really stuck with me: “Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.”

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I am a very detail-oriented planner. Planning helps me to deliver on my expectations both personally and professionally. I enjoy my time outside of work with my family and friends and take care of myself by staying physically fit.