Josh Etkind

Shell

Josh Etkind, Shell upstream deepwater digital transformation manager, has more than 20 years of energy industry experience leading global teams to deliver mega projects and breakthrough innovations across the energy value chain, including subsurface, wells, LNG R&D innovation, decommissioning and restoration, sustainable development, and mega-project delivery. Etkind is a petroleum engineer by background, a certified Sustainability Practitioner, and a Fellow of the Loyola University Institute of Environmental Communications. He concurrently serves as CEO of Sanitation for All, an international NGO focused on helping disadvantaged communities gain access to the basic human dignity afforded by clean drinking water and toilets.

Having previously served on the SPE Board of Directors from 2007–2010, he is now chair of the Sustainable Development Technical Section and chair of the SPE Gaia Sustainability Program, which partners with industry thought leaders to help members operationalize sustainability concepts in their daily work. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to the SPE membership and to society, including the 2021 SPE International Public Service Award, the 2013 SPE Distinguished Service Award granting him lifetime Distinguished Membership, the 2010 American Petroleum Institute Meritorious Service Award, and the 2004 SPE Young Member Outstanding Service Award. Etkind is an active energy innovator and holds two advanced energy-related patents.

Career development

Transferable Skills: Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience Skills Are Shaping the Low-Emission Energy Transition

Many skills learned in technical and leadership career paths in the oil and gas industry are transferable to careers in other industries, including those focused on low-emissions technologies.

July 14, 2022 • Rita Esuru Okoroafor • The Way Ahead
Digital transformation

A Day in the Life of: Josh Etkind, Shell Digital Transformation Manager and SPE Gaia Chair

"Digital gives you superpower...volunteering makes you a superstar," says Josh Etkind while sharing his insights on digital transformation and his vision as SPE Gaia chair.

March 2, 2022 • Josh Etkind • The Way Ahead
Technology

A Petroleum Engineer’s Role in Reducing Carbon Emissions

What will competitiveness look like in our industry in 10 or 20 years from now? What novel pathways might we envision to restore the natural environment, while creating shareholder value and enhance our license to operate? How can you serve as a potent catalyst for positive change?

August 8, 2020 • Maria Angela Capello • The Way Ahead
Job search

Social Networking and Online Collaboration in the Oil and Gas Industry

In this article, the authors explore whether the E&P industry has taken full advantage of the Web 2.0 revolution or if there is still a significant opportunity to exploit social networking potential.

September 14, 2010 • Anton Andreev • The Way Ahead
Business

Public Energy Education

Results of a survey on energy education's importance, opportunities, and audience.

January 13, 2010 • Rita Esuru Okoroafor • The Way Ahead
Career development

Technical vs. Managerial Careers: What Experienced Professionals Say

In prior surveys, young professionals expressed a preference for managerial careers. So we surveyed experienced professional to get their feedback on the differences and making the right choice.

May 2, 2009 • Rita Esuru Okoroafor • The Way Ahead
Students/education

SPE Young Professionals: Building Bridges

Have you seen what is happening out there? Young professionals in the petroleum industry are joining together, interacting, and networking in ways never previously seen in our industry. Young professionals are reaching out to students to share their enthusiasm about their careers and provide a lens into their exciting futures. The interaction with a successful young p…

May 24, 2006 • Josh Etkind • The Way Ahead
Students/education

Welcome to the Student Link Section of TWA

Welcome to the Student Link Section of TWA. This month we will review several different perspectives on the current status of the relationship between students and Young E&P Professionals (YEPPs) and focus on opportunities to improve that relationship. YEPP initiatives are gaining momentum on both international and local levels. Those who reach out to students are rea…

September 24, 2005 • Josh Etkind • The Way Ahead
SPE Delta Section Launches Emerging Leaders Program

A visit and impromptu presentation from 2005 SPE President Giovanni Paccaloni served as a catalyst to inspire the SPE Delta Section in New Orleans to form its own Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). During his breakfast with the Delta Section leadership in August, Paccaloni proudly described the successful ELPs in Italy, Houston, and elsewhere. He explained how critical i…

January 30, 2005 • Josh Etkind • The Way Ahead
Students/education

Student Link Column

This Student Link column is designed to raise awareness about actions being taken by YEPP and SPE chapters around the world to extend the reach of SPE benefits to students. It will highlight new and ongoing programs that promote and ease the transition from being an active member of an SPE student chapter to being an active member of an industry SPE chapter. Just as Y…

January 24, 2005 • Josh Etkind • The Way Ahead