From playing video games with his kids to leading critical drilling projects, Adebayo “Ade” Aremu brings passion and purpose to his role as head of projects at legacy KCA Deutag land business unit, based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
As part of the land business unit leadership team, Aremu oversees a talented group of project managers, project leads and a central project management office team. His scope includes shaping land project execution to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, while defining standards, procedures and guidance for major projects.
“My work is varied and no two projects are the same,” he said. “Any given day I could be working on new build rigs, major rig overhauls and upgrades, international rig moves and technology-based rig
improvements working toward decarbonization and more sustainable operations.”
Career Powered by People
Since joining legacy KCA Deutag in 2010, Aremu has consistently cited one factor as the most rewarding aspect of his role: the people. His journey began when he was inspired by company employees he met early in his career search.
“I could really see myself as part of their team,” he recalled. “When an opportunity arose to join the Brunei operations as a roustabout in the graduate program, I jumped at it. That decision has shaped my entire career path.”
Aremu particularly values the diverse perspectives within the organization.
“I enjoy working with our dynamic, multicultural and multidisciplinary teams across the globe,” he said. “Everyone has a voice here and all opinions are respected. We understand that everyone can make a positive impact in their own way, and we appreciate our differences, no matter our background, identity or circumstances. It’s how we come up with innovative solutions to tackle the most difficult challenges.”
Future of Energy
His team’s focus on shaping land rig projects that balance current energy needs with future market demands. This involves leveraging data to make informed decisions about the energy mix while fostering collaboration with customers and industry peers.
“The key is to make informed decisions with data that points to the energy mix and collaborate, partner and share learnings with our customers and industry peers,” Aremu explained. “This requires continuous investment in new and emerging technologies like using battery energy storage systems instead of diesel generators to power our operations. And exploring future energy sources like geothermal drilling and hydrogen.”
Building on Experience
Aremu’s diverse background has prepared him well for his current role at H&P.
“I have had the opportunity to work within different functions at legacy KCA Deutag, converging on my current role of leading our eastern land project management function,” he shared. “Through my involvement in a wide range of projects — from new builds to organizational change projects, such as the integration of acquired assets — the ability of our people to jointly tackle challenges and innovate continues to be a major fascination for me.”
Looking ahead, Aremu expresses enthusiasm about H&P’s future.
“I am excited about being part of this drilling powerhouse created by our combined legacy organizations,” Aremu added. “We are making history together, and the work we do going forward will shape drilling industry best practices in the way projects are managed and value is created for our customers.”
Aremu looks forward to playing a role in how the company continues as a combined company to encourage our people to innovate.