In our January issue, we chat with Andy Ruffell-Ward, Head of Industrial & Commercial UK Downstream, Harvest Energy Ltd.
“Always be honest, act with integrity and follow up on your promises.”ANDY RUFFELL-WARD
Give your career history in 25 words or fewer.
17 years in the oil industry in various sales, pricing & operations roles – first 13½ with TOTAL and the past 3½ years with Prax.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Honest. Easy-going. Positive.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
When I was about 8 years old, I wanted to be an ambulance driver. My sister had just qualified as a nurse and made riding in an ambulance with the blue lights flashing sound so exciting.
When I was a little older, I had the entirely unrealistic dream of becoming a professional rugby player.
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this?)
Playing rugby for England.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
People buy from people – always be honest, act with integrity and follow up on your promises.
Share your top tips for business success.
Surround yourself with good people that you trust. Listen more than you talk – you’ve got two ears and one mouth.
What’s your most recent business achievement of note?
Being involved in Prax’s acquisition of Lindsey Oil Refinery and the early days post-acquisition, all whilst working remotely during COVID.
Tell us your greatest fear.
I don’t tend to have many fears as such, but I’m not great in small spaces – I could never go potholing!
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Ambition – you can have all the talent in the world, but if you aren’t challenged, or don’t challenge yourself, it is wasted.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The people and relationships built over the years. It’s a surprisingly small industry full of great characters!
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Integrity.
What are you most likely to say?
“Every day’s a new day!” If today didn’t go to plan, there’s always tomorrow.
What are you least likely to say?
No – always open to new ideas and challenges.
Describe your perfect day
Beach, family, barbecue, beers and music.
Do you have a favourite sports team?
I enjoy all sports, but support Harlequins (rugby) and Liverpool and Scunthorpe United (football). I used to be a season ticket holder at Scunthorpe for a couple of years when I was younger – and when they were more successful!
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Climate change.
Cheese or chocolate?
Cheese.
Share your greatest personal achievement
My kids. Keep me on my toes and a handful at times but brilliant fun!
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
Laziness and people not doing what they say they would.
If you were on ‘Mastermind’ what would your specialist subject be?
When I was young, I used to be able to recognise all the flags of the world and the countries they were for. I’m not sure how I’d do nowadays though!
If you were elected to government what would be the first law you’d press for?
Laws and funding to facilitate net zero projects like Prax’s carbon capture project at Lindsey Oil Refinery.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now what would they think?
Well done you! Pride in what I have achieved – both personally and professionally.
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
I’d love to see more of the world, and experience different cultures
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
I should probably say my wife and two kids, but assuming they’re stranded with me, a ball, a guitar and a barbecue – almost like my answer for a perfect holiday!
Tell us something about you that people would be very surprised by
Having grown up 2 miles from the Lindsey Refinery, in my 17 years of working for both Total and Prax I’ve never actually been based at the refinery.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
Ayrton Senna – my hero in my early years of watching sport. A legend of the sport from when watching F1 was more interesting and unpredictable.
Image provided by Andy Ruffell-Ward
