“Don’t let the fear of striking out prevent you from stepping up to the plate”
Richard J. Stegemeier is a seasoned engineering and operations leader recognized for his ability to guide high-performing teams through complex, high-stakes environments. With nearly two decades of experience spanning offshore and onshore operations, Richard has built a reputation for aligning deep technical expertise with business strategy to drive measurable results. His leadership style is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and a relentless focus on execution excellence, making him a trusted figure in the energy and industrial sectors.
Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated a consistent ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams that deliver sustainable operational improvements. His approach emphasizes not only achieving performance targets but also developing strong team chemistry and cultivating future leaders. By fostering environments where individuals are empowered and aligned with shared goals, he has repeatedly elevated organizational effectiveness and resilience.
In his current role as Engineering Manager at BW Energy, Richard leads a diverse engineering organization supporting offshore production assets, including FPSO and fixed-platform facilities. He has been instrumental in strengthening governance frameworks, improving operational reliability, and implementing disciplined engineering processes. His ability to partner across operations, maintenance, drilling, and executive leadership has enabled his teams to identify risks early, reduce deferments, and enhance overall asset performance.
Prior to joining BW Energy, Richard spent over a decade at Hess Corporation, where he held a series of progressively senior roles. During his tenure, he led critical programs across Gulf of Mexico assets, overseeing strategy development, capital planning, and execution of high-risk repair and reliability initiatives. His work required coordination across large, cross-functional teams and external partners, reinforcing his reputation as a leader capable of navigating complex operational challenges while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency.
Richard’s technical foundation as a structural engineer has been a cornerstone of his career. Early roles in civil and structural engineering provided him with a deep understanding of infrastructure design, integrity management, and risk-based decision-making. Over time, he expanded this expertise into broader operational leadership, integrating engineering rigor with business acumen to deliver results that extend beyond technical performance into long-term organizational value.
Complementing his corporate career, Richard is also a successful entrepreneur. He founded and scaled a commercial services business to over $2 million in annual recurring revenue, demonstrating his ability to lead in both structured corporate environments and agile, growth-focused ventures. In this capacity, he has managed full P&L responsibilities, developed strategic partnerships, and built scalable systems that support consistent service delivery and expansion.
Richard’s entrepreneurial journey reflects his passion for building organizations from the ground up and creating repeatable frameworks for success. His hands-on experience in scaling a business has further strengthened his understanding of operational efficiency, client management, and market positioning. This dual perspective—corporate and entrepreneurial—positions him uniquely to advise companies navigating growth and transformation.
Beyond his operational and entrepreneurial achievements, Richard is deeply committed to mentorship and leadership development. He has consistently invested in the growth of engineers, operators, and emerging leaders, helping them navigate complex challenges and advance their careers. His leadership philosophy centers on developing people as the foundation for building strong, adaptable organizations.
Richard’s global exposure has also played a significant role in shaping his leadership perspective. Through his work with international assets in regions such as West Africa and Brazil, he has developed an appreciation for diverse operating environments and cultural dynamics. This experience enhances his ability to lead across geographies and adapt strategies to meet varying operational and business needs.
He holds a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Rice University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California. As a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Richard combines academic excellence with practical expertise, reinforcing his credibility as both a technical and organizational leader.
Outside of his professional life, Richard is dedicated to his family and community. He actively volunteers in his children’s sporting activities and enjoys spending time fishing and being outdoors. These personal passions reflect his grounded nature and commitment to balance, reinforcing the values that guide both his personal and professional life.
Richard is a founding member of Buena Vista Angels, an investment group established in 2014 by a close-knit group of individuals passionate about supporting innovative companies and driven leadership teams. Since its inception, the organization has grown to over 50 members and has invested in more than 30 portfolio companies, reflecting its strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Driven by a desire to share his knowledge and experience, Richard is actively seeking opportunities to serve on boards where he can contribute to growth, mentorship, and strategic direction. His proven track record of scaling organizations, combined with his people-first leadership approach, positions him as a valuable asset to companies looking to navigate complexity and achieve sustainable success.
Character:
Richard demonstrates integrity through his consistent commitment to accountability, safety, and ethical leadership in high-risk environments. He leads with humility, prioritizing team success over individual recognition while fostering trust across all levels of an organization. His dedication to mentorship and community involvement reflects a values-driven approach that extends beyond the workplace.
Knowledge:
He brings a deep and comprehensive understanding of engineering, operations, and risk management developed over nearly two decades in the energy sector. His technical expertise is complemented by practical experience in governance, capital planning, and operational execution. This breadth of knowledge allows him to bridge the gap between technical detail and strategic business outcomes.
Strategic:
Richard excels at aligning technical initiatives with broader business objectives to drive sustainable performance improvements. He has a proven ability to identify risks, prioritize opportunities, and implement disciplined processes that enhance reliability and efficiency. His entrepreneurial success further underscores his capacity to think strategically in both corporate and growth-oriented environments.
Communication:
An effective communicator who fosters collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders. He translates complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights that support informed decision-making. His approachable leadership style encourages open dialogue, ensuring alignment and engagement at every level of the organization.
