The Permian Basin Chapter of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council recently welcomed industry leaders for its Permian Luncheon, featuring a market outlook from Ryan Tull, Managing Director, Energy, Power & Infrastructure at Piper Sandler, and a fireside chat with Denzil West, CEO of Admiral Permian Operating.
Tim Tarpley, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council, opened the event with a State of the Association update before welcoming Tull to the stage.
Tull shared his outlook on the oilfield services market, noting that OFS stocks posted a strong rally earlier this year before the Iran conflict. He said valuations have improved, rig counts continue to climb, and compression companies have emerged as standout performers. At the same time, he cautioned that many OFS subsectors are approaching peak valuations.
West, who has spent more than 40 years building and selling companies in the Permian Basin, discussed the opportunities he sees ahead for the region. As CEO of Admiral Permian Operating, a company he co-founded in 2017, West explained that while his team relies on world-class geological analysis, experience and instinct still play a critical role in investment decisions.
Looking ahead, West said he remains highly optimistic about the Permian over the next five years, citing deeper producing zones, continued advances in hydraulic fracturing technology, and the likelihood of increased activity as oil prices strengthen.
He also offered career advice to the next generation of industry leaders.
“Work harder than everyone around you and invest in your communication skills,” West said. “The people who can communicate their ideas are going to be a lot more successful than their counterparties who can’t.”
He added one final piece of advice: don’t let AI do your writing because “it defeats the purpose.”
The fireside chat was moderated by Victoria Beard-Queen, Managing Director, Energy, Power & Infrastructure at Piper Sandler.
The Energy Workforce & Technology Council thanks luncheon sponsors Halliburton, NOV, and ProPetro, along with Strategic Partners Chevron and SLB, for their support.
Roni Ashley, Senior Director Operations, writes about the Energy Workforce’s membership, workforce development and more. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
