Ernie Brumfield is a seasoned oil, gas, and energy industry leader with over 46 years of experience working with some of the most demanding corporate and global energy clients. Known for his strategic vision, technical expertise, and exceptional leadership, Ernie has made significant contributions to the success of major industry players such as GE Oil & Gas, ABB VetcoGray, and Baker Hughes. His career spans a range of high-stakes roles in field services, project management, and strategic operations across five continents, making him a respected authority in the oil and gas sector.
Throughout his career, Ernie has been the driving force behind numerous large-scale subsea and offshore projects, managing critical infrastructure and delivering exceptional results for clients like Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Turkish Petroleum. Whether overseeing Shell’s Gulf of Mexico deepwater assets or supporting Chevron’s LIANZI project in Angola, Ernie brings an unmatched level of expertise, rigor, and commitment to each project. His ability to lead multidisciplinary teams under challenging conditions has earned him a reputation as a versatile and resilient leader who consistently achieves results that exceed client expectations.
Ernie’s leadership style is defined by a relentless focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement. A certified Lean Six Sigma practitioner, he has a proven record of driving process innovations that boost productivity, reduce costs, and minimize nonproductive time. His tenure with GE Oil & Gas saw him develop and implement training programs, process improvements, and new technologies, significantly enhancing efficiency across projects in Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf of Mexico. His efforts in cutting costs by 15% for Shell’s GoM project and saving $20M annually with Chevron in Angola highlight his ability to drive value through strategic process enhancements.
In addition to his technical and operational expertise, Ernie is passionate about team development and mentorship. Over the years, he has successfully built high-performance teams, recruited top local talent in regions like Angola, and empowered individuals to excel in their roles. His focus on empowering and coaching others is evident from the numerous awards and recognitions he has earned, including leading the GE Oil & Gas team that won Best Field Service Team honors in 2009. Ernie’s belief in balancing empowerment with accountability creates a culture where teams are motivated, engaged, and focused on delivering excellence.
Ernie’s expertise extends beyond project management to include strategic client and stakeholder relations. Known for his interpersonal skills, he builds lasting relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and securing long-term partnerships. His ability to understand and meet client needs while maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards has earned him the trust of clients and partners alike, cementing his reputation as a reliable industry leader.
Despite his impressive career, Ernie remains grounded and committed to making a difference beyond the corporate world. He actively supports causes that are close to his heart, including animal welfare, children’s well-being, and disaster and humanitarian relief. His dedication to these causes reflects his genuine desire to give back and support those in need, embodying the values of compassion and community service.
Since retiring in January 2024, Ernie has embraced a more relaxed lifestyle, running The Farm at Quail Valley in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Here, he enjoys woodworking, furniture restoration, and spending time in nature. Yet, he remains eager to lend his knowledge and experience to advisory roles within the industry, driven by his desire to share his expertise and support future growth.
With decades of experience, Ernie Brumfield is more than a seasoned professional; he is a respected mentor, strategist, and innovator whose contributions have shaped the oil and gas industry. His insights, leadership, and values continue to resonate within the field and beyond, making him a sought-after advisor and industry leader.
Character:
Ernie is known for his unwavering integrity, resilience, and commitment to excellence, making him a reliable leader in high-stakes environments. His dedication to both professional success and community causes reflects a well-rounded character rooted in compassion and service.
Knowledge:
With over 46 years of experience in oil and gas, Ernie possesses in-depth expertise in subsea engineering, project management, and operational optimization. His extensive understanding of industry best practices and technical processes has made him a trusted authority in the field.
Strategic:
Ernie consistently applies strategic thinking to drive operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance project outcomes, resulting in substantial value creation for both clients and employers. His ability to reengineer processes and implement impactful improvements highlights his skill as a forward-thinking strategist.
Communication:
Renowned for his interpersonal skills, Ernie excels in building strong client relationships and fostering cohesive teams, ensuring clarity and alignment on project goals. His approachability and effective communication make him an influential leader who motivates and unites diverse teams.
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