Well Controlled: Meet the Team - Larry W. Sims, Senior Vice President International Business
Our expertise and strength are key to who we are at Wild Well Control. As we celebrate more than 45 years in the industry, we’d like to introduce you to our team and share their insights on the oil and gas industry.
Next up in our Well Controlled series is Larry W. Sims, Senior Vice President of International Business. Like us, Larry has also spent more than 45 years in the oil and gas industry. Keep reading to learn more about his experience, insights on industry trends, and what he loves about working with the team at Wild Well Control.
Name: Larry W. Sims
Role: Senior Vice President, International Business
Location: Houston, TX
Q: How long have you been with Wild Well Control?
I’ve worked at Wild Well Control for 11 years and my daily role involves maintaining and pursuing new business internationally. I set short-term and long-term strategies for the business development, marketing, and operational activities of our international business units. I also support our proposals and contracts work.
Q: Can you describe your industry experience?
In 1976, two years into studying for a degree in business at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, I decided to take what was supposed to be a short tenure working in the oilfield to build up my experience and my college fund. However, I found the job satisfaction too attractive to go back to my degree.
The oil and gas industry has changed many times since then. I’ve seen offshore drilling go from wooden platforms to drilling in water depths of more than 12,000 feet. From rigs taking 200 days to drill 15,000 feet wells, to drilling 30,000 feet horizontal wells in less than 13 days. This is a technology-driven industry and will only continue to improve as more technology is advanced.
Q: What trends are you seeing in the industry?
There’s a global trend to move away from a hydrocarbon-based energy sector, but I believe that’s decades away. I think there will be a resurgence in drilling activity for many years to come to find and replace reserves. Alternative energy can fill some short-term gaps, but in my opinion, it’s not at the stage of reliability where we can confidently dismantle our oil and gas sector.
Q: What differentiates Wild Well?
Our strength has always been in the experience of our people, which enables us to do things that others can’t. The fact that we focus on well control issues every day means we have the experience to provide a rapid response to our clients’ needs. We’ll continue to develop our younger teams so this knowledge is retained. Our clients have been relying on Wild Well Control for over 45 years; our next generation will ensure we remain the leading well control response and prevention provider in the industry.
Q: What excites you about working for Wild Well Control?
I enjoy interacting with our clients around the world and meeting new people. It’s interesting to experience how different cultures operate in the oil and gas sector, but also how similar this business is - no matter where you are.
Learn more about Wild Well Control.