OQ, a leading oil and gas investment company based in Muscat, has appointed Ali Al Lawati as the Chief Executive of People, Technology, and Culture, effective September 1, 2024.

Announcing his new role on LinkedIn, Ali posted, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Chief Executive, People, Technology & Culture at OQ!”

In his new role, Ali brings nearly two decades of HR leadership experience, having served in key roles at Schlumberger (SLB). Most recently, he held the position of Global HR Director of Corporate in the US, where he oversaw the unique challenges and responsibilities of the company’s HR department resources. He aligned HR strategies and initiatives with corporate functions and technology, and identified and attracted top talent to build a strong and engaged workforce. In his previous roles at SLB, he served as Regional Managing Director of Oman, Pakistan, and Yemen; Managing Director of Oman; Operations Systems Manager for the Eastern Middle East; and HR Manager for Oman.

On the academic front, Ali holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Petroleum Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University and has completed a certification in Digital Business Excellence from UC Berkeley Executive Education. His core competencies include team leadership, strategic HR management, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, succession planning, executive recruitment, and workforce planning.

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Last week, Ali shared the news of his departure from SLB, stating, “As I close this chapter after 20 remarkable years with SLB, I find myself reflecting on the international and diverse journey that has shaped me both personally and professionally.

Each position I’ve held in Sales, Operations, and HR before taking on the responsibility of Regional Managing Director covering Oman, Pakistan & Yemen, and finally Global HR Director in Houston, has brought new challenges, new learning opportunities, and new friendships that have left a lasting impact. These experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, empowerment, and the power of collaboration across cultures. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds in the industry, and I’m proud of the contributions we’ve made together toward advancing the business and achieving great milestones in the countries we served.

I am grateful to SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch and the executive leadership team, for their support, guidance, and trust. Thank you for making this journey so rewarding. Though I’m stepping into a new chapter, the values, skills, family, and friends I’ve gained at SLB will stay with me forever. I leave with deep gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. Here’s to new beginnings and to the remarkable journey that led me here!”