Texaco people profile: Bruno Blondé

I trained as an electromechanical engineer and now have more than 13 years’ experience in petrochemical processing facilities. I consider myself a ‘generalist’ since I have knowledge of a wide range of engineering disciplines, including Lean Six Sigma and digital skills. This has allowed me to grow in a role where I manage a team of experts related to tanks, piping, packaging lines and maintenance-related digital tools. My team provides subject matter expertise to fuel and lubricant facilities across the world during specialist projects or maintenance work.

What do you believe Chevron and Texaco Lubricants can offer customers?

I feel Chevron genuinely cares about the people working for the company. It provides a healthy, open, and positive atmosphere where diverse viewpoints are valued. Combined with strong technical expertise and a high focus on safety, Chevron offers customers top tier Texaco products with strong reliability.

What is your most rewarding project to date?

The expansion project for the Ghent Blending Plant which took place between 2013 and 2020. During that time, I was responsible for the execution of the capital projects at the facility and worked to define the long-term strategy. The plant was able to almost triple its production and increase overall reliability for the customers. It was an amazing time for a young engineer to be able to make a mark and help to improve the overall business. I was given trust, responsibility, and accountability, which enabled me to comple the projects and see the impact it made on the entire organisation was highly rewarding.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

When approaching a stakeholder (customer, supervisor, decision maker etc.) with a business case, problem, or solution, try to anticipate the questions they will ask. If you can answer their questions in your initial pitch, it will help drive a more in-depth discussion and you will be seen as someone who understands what the stakeholder needs. Make assumptions based on your experience, but always verify if you understood the stakeholder needs correctly.