Day in the Life: Hassan Khalid

Q: WHAT IS YOUR ROLE NOW?

A: Since 2021, I’ve worked as a senior strategy consultant for gas compression customers in the Cat^® Oil & Gas and Marine Division. My primary role is defining product strategy for engines used in gas compression applications.

I work with a wide range of internal and external teams. Internally, I work closely with several teams in the LPSD and Industrial Power Systems Division. I also work with the company’s oil and gas marketing and commercial teams and collaborate externally with our industry groups, dealers and customers. I enjoy collaborating with customers and understanding their perspectives to help inform the solutions we are developing and providing. I find the work motivating and I'm enjoying the challenge.

Q: WHY DO YOU LIKE WORKING IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR?

A: The exciting part is working on technology advancements that promote environmental sustainability. The industry is developing state of the art technologies to meet global energy needs. The sector promotes a continuous learning environment and provides numerous opportunities to grow your skill set. Also, some of the brightest, most hard-working and innovative people are in the oil and gas industry, and I enjoy working with them.

Q: HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE INDUSTRY EVOLVE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

A: There is an increased focus on environmental impact more than ever before. Stringent emissions regulations as well as operators’ own sustainability goals are driving the need for lower emissions solutions. In the last two years, the focus has shifted from NOx emissions to methane and GHG emissions. Operators are investing in technology solutions that improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and lower emissions economically to positively impact their oilfield operations.

Q: HOW DO YOU HELP ENSURE NEW TECHNOLOGIES KEEP PACE WITH CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS?

A: Having cross-functional experience, building relationships with customers and closely observing changes in the industry help inform product development. Being engaged with customers in the field, visiting their sites to hear firsthand what they need to meet their KPIs and what’s keeping them up at night helps us to focus our R&D efforts on those concerns. I invest considerable time in tracking trends and industry developments that will impact gas compression operators to help us continuously provide solutions that meet evolving demands. For example, operators’ increasing focus on lowering emissions and industry trends in that area has led to the development of products that address those unique needs.

Q: WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

A: Emissions reduction will remain the focus, as federal and state regulators will continue to introduce emissions regulations. Consumers and investors will keep pushing oil and gas producers for a lower emissions footprint. There will be increased adoption of carbon capture systems. Additionally, I anticipate the availability and cost of green hydrogen will improve and the electrification rate will continue to rise.

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?

A: Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy sports and travel. My preferred sports are popular internationally but not very traditional in the U.S. These include cricket, squash and field hockey. As far as travel, I really enjoy visiting European countries, though, with three children whose ages are between one and six, we will be waiting to make any long trips!