Kevin Hulsey is a relationship-driven, results-oriented executive whose career has been defined by his ability to merge financial insight with deep energy industry expertise. With over 24 years of experience spanning upstream and downstream oil and gas, structured finance, and commodity trading, Kevin has built a legacy of leadership in some of the world’s most competitive energy markets. From his early days as an engineer with ConocoPhillips to his senior roles at Shell Trading and Macquarie Group, his career reflects a steady ascent powered by technical mastery, commercial acumen, and a passion for helping organizations thrive in complex, high-stakes environments.
Kevin began his career at ConocoPhillips after earning his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from The University of Tulsa. His technical foundation was quickly recognized as he contributed to major international LNG projects across Indonesia, Australia, Russia, and Trinidad. During this time, Kevin co-authored a patent in engineering, highlighting his innovative mindset and ability to translate complex challenges into efficient, market-ready solutions. His tenure as an LNG Process Engineer gave him firsthand exposure to the global energy landscape, laying the groundwork for his later success in financial and trading environments.
Transitioning from engineering into commercial operations, Kevin took on pivotal roles as ANS Scheduler and later as a Cushing Crude Analyst at ConocoPhillips. Here, he demonstrated a rare ability to bridge technical understanding with market strategy. He managed large-scale crude movements and performed advanced fundamental and technical analyses of global oil markets. These experiences honed his skills in risk assessment, price forecasting, and logistical optimization—competencies that would become cornerstones of his later leadership in commodity finance and risk management.
In 2008, Kevin joined BBVA Compass, where he built the bank’s energy commodity derivatives desk from the ground up. As the only front-office energy markets specialist at the time, he cultivated over 120 key relationships across exploration and production, midstream, and energy banking sectors. His efforts not only exceeded annual budgets but also earned him BBVA’s prestigious Pinnacle Award for top global markets performance. Kevin’s work at BBVA Compass positioned him as a trusted advisor to both producers and consumers of energy commodities, adept at designing financial solutions to mitigate volatility and maximize profitability.
Following his success at BBVA, Kevin brought his expertise to Shell Trading in 2012, where he was instrumental in founding and developing Shell Trading Risk Management, LLC (STRM). As Director of Risk Management, he helped establish STRM as a registered Swap Dealer under Dodd-Frank and became its top revenue producer for several consecutive years. His innovative credit and hedging strategies generated over $30 million in annual net revenue for STRM and over $100 million in gross margin contributions to Shell Trading operations. Kevin’s leadership extended beyond the numbers—he built lasting partnerships with more than 275 energy companies at the CEO, CFO, and VP levels, proving his reputation as a trusted partner in managing financial and physical risk across the energy spectrum.
Kevin’s decade-long tenure at Shell Trading underscored his visionary approach to credit and risk management. He pioneered Shell’s Unsecured No-Margin Credit program, which fundamentally redefined how counterparties could transact based on “Right-Way Risk” credit tendencies rather than traditional derivative lines. This innovation not only streamlined operations but expanded Shell’s reach to counterparties once considered nontraditional, reinforcing Kevin’s ability to blend financial innovation with practical commercial strategy. He became a recognized speaker in the energy finance community, presenting at industry conferences including Energy Risk USA, the Louisiana Energy Conference, and Tulane University’s Energy Institute, where he continues to mentor emerging leaders.
In 2022, Kevin joined Macquarie Group as Managing Director of Commodities & Global Markets, where he led the development of a producer services business focused on financial and physical hedging, offtake, and capital solutions. He also challenged Macquarie’s risk and credit processes, onboarding procedures, and strategic client approach, to compete more aggressively in a highly competitive global market. His ability to leverage institutional expertise while driving innovation further solidified his reputation as a dynamic leader who builds scalable, profitable businesses from concept to execution.
In 2024, Kevin took on a new entrepreneurial challenge as Managing Partner of Zephyr Energy Partners, working with a large public European energy company to launch a generalist private equity and debt energy fund. By combining his extensive industry relationships with a strategic vision for investment and risk management, Kevin spearheaded efforts to establish a producer services platform with a projected $1 billion in assets under management. His focus on creating an integrated “one-stop-shop” for private equity investments, hedging, and capital solutions showcases his unique blend of market insight, operational leadership, and long-term strategic thinking.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin is deeply motivated by the power of mentorship, family, and community. A former board member and director of West University Little League, he takes pride in supporting youth development and teamwork—values that mirror his collaborative approach in business. His personal passions include outdoor activities, snow skiing, golf, and supporting his children’s sports pursuits. Kevin embodies the belief that true leadership extends beyond business success—it lies in guiding others toward excellence while maintaining integrity, humility, and a relentless curiosity for learning.
With an Executive MBA from Tulane University and decades of experience across global energy, finance, and capital markets, Kevin continues to serve as a trusted advisor to companies navigating volatility and growth. His ability to align strategic financial tools with operational needs has empowered hundreds of clients to generate billions in value. For Kevin Hulsey, leadership means more than meeting performance goals—it means building lasting impact through relationships, trust, and innovation.
Character:
Kevin’s career reflects integrity, resilience, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. He leads by example, balancing technical expertise with empathy and a strong moral compass. His peers and clients alike describe him as dependable, transparent, and driven by purpose rather than prestige.
Knowledge:
With over two decades in energy markets, Kevin’s depth of understanding spans engineering, trading, finance, and corporate strategy. He combines analytical precision with real-world experience, allowing him to translate complex market dynamics into actionable insights. His expertise in risk management and structured finance makes him a trusted thought leader in the energy and investment communities.
Strategic:
Kevin approaches every challenge with a long-term, solutions-oriented mindset. His ability to foresee market trends and craft innovative credit, hedging, and investment structures has delivered measurable value to global enterprises. He blends strategic vision with operational discipline, ensuring that every initiative contributes to sustainable, scalable success.
Communication:
Throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated exceptional communication skills—articulating complex financial concepts with clarity and confidence. His relationship-driven approach fosters trust and collaboration across all organizational levels. Whether speaking at industry conferences or advising executive teams, Kevin connects with authenticity and purpose, inspiring confidence and action.
