ALFONSO NAVARRO MERCADO
Senior Leader In Project Management And Strategic Transformation
Bogotá D.C
Summary
Experienced professional with over 25 years of expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving the successful execution of strategic projects across various sectors, including Oil & Gas, banking, and finance. Known for implementing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, foster organizational growth, and deliver measurable business results. Adept at leading in dynamic, fast-paced environments while maintaining a strategic focus.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
3
3
Languages
Work History
Business Adviser & Consultant
Own Company
07.2022 - Current
- Consulting with the Barranquilla Chamber of Commerce under the FortaleSer Project, advising and carrying out consulting work for (20) micro and small companies in Barranquilla through the areas of: Commercial, Human Resources, Organizational, Innovation and Technology development.
- Advise companies from different sectors, in the formulation, execution and monitoring of business strategies for their development, growth and sustainability.
Senior Key Account Manager Oil, Gas & Chemicals for Colombia and Central America
SGS Colombia SAS
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Spearheaded the development of strategic business solutions, successfully expanding operations to Central America and Caribbean territories (Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname).
- Strengthened Oil, Gas & Chemicals product lines, increasing market competitiveness and driving substantial revenue growth (15%).
- Fostered client relationships to enhance service offerings and expand offshore business opportunities.
Professor
Fundación Universidad de América
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Professor for Undergraduate Program of Petroleum Engineering by teaching Production Logs & Directional Drilling (Elective).
- Professor for Master Degree Program of Reservoir Engineering by teaching Project Factibility for Hydrocarbons
Executive Director
ACIPET (Colombian Association of Petroleum Engineers)
04.2019 - 06.2021
- Directed and implemented the digital transformation of ACIPET during the global pandemic, achieving improved efficiency and adaptability to new business models.
- Delivered strong financial outcomes, with positive financial results achieved consecutively for 2019 and 2020.
- Organized and promoted the Colombian Oil & Gas Congress, positioning it as a premier industry event for engineers, service providers, and operators.
- Achieved ISO9001 certification renewal through rigorous teamwork and a commitment to quality standards.
Technical & Business Advisor
BEQ INVESTMENT
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Evaluate and present financial and technical proposals to Oil & Gas foreign investors for future business investments in Colombia.
Sales Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
12.2015 - 02.2016
- Leading the company business plan for Colombia under budget forecasts ranging US$12MM and sizing the company to a new environment managed by the oil barrel price uncertain trends.
Country Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
12.2011 - 12.2015
- Led operations with annual revenue forecasts ranging from USD $20–23MM, steering the business through fluctuating oil market trends.
- Guided teams across Colombia to deliver technical services that enhanced drilling efficiency and reduced operational risks.
- Expanded market presence in Latin America, implementing innovative rental models for drilling equipment.
Business Development Manager – Drilling Tools
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
05.2011 - 12.2011
- Works to expand NOV’s drilling tools business and profit revenues by identifying new markets and attracting new clients with Area Managers.
- Researching new business opportunities, identify sales points, develop strategic plans and sales strategies, and undertake presentations to and negotiations with prospective customers.
Sales Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Venezuela)
02.2011 - 12.2011
- Managing sales team for VTT, search, evaluate, and close sales opportunities for Downhole product line (bit, jars, motors, stabilizers, drilling tools) with local oil state company and former IOC’s (new mixed companies).
- Lead assembly & repair process related to the company's plan in all Venezuela bases.
Business Development Manager – Drill Bits
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
01.2011 - 05.2011
- Works to expand NOV’s drilling tools business and profit revenues by identifying new markets and attracting new clients with Area Managers.
- Researching new business opportunities, identify sales points, develop strategic plans and sales strategies, and undertake presentations to and negotiations with prospective customers.
Sales & Operations Manager
SUBTERRA – NOV/REED HYCALOG
12.2008 - 02.2010
- Managing company business plan for TT.
- Management from Venezuela of all sales efforts for TT with the local agent and development of new opportunities with local companies, as well as providing drilling tools.
- Management and tracking of the company QHSE policies through an agent and the sales group.
Operations Manager
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Managing company business plan & PL for West Venezuela.
- Got with the local sales team the biggest bit contract reached. US$22MM.
- Manage sales team for West Venezuela and create new sales opportunities with former IOC’s (new mixed companies).
- Be involved with the assembly & repair process related to the company's plan in Ciudad Ojeda.
Operations Manager
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Responsible for the offshore engineering operations of Campos & Espirito Santo Basin in Macaé-Brazil for Drill Bits division and Hole Opening Group with annual revenues of $3.0 million and 20% of market share.
- Drilling activities for exploratory and development wells in the area increased 100%.
- Management of sales, service, business plan & PL plan for 2006.
- Tracking of QHSE company policies for business operations with customers and internal requirements.
Drilling Bits Evaluation Engineer for Gulf of Mexico
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Responsible for bit recommendations, tracking results and drilling optimization for GOM areas related to the company's business (Texas and Louisiana State).
Drilling Bits Optimization Engineer for Petrobras
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
11.2003 - 12.2004
- Responsible for the offshore engineering operations of Campos & Espirito Santo Basin in Macaé-Brazil for Drill Bits division with annual revenues of $2.5 million and 25% of market share.
- Drilling activities for exploratory and development wells in the area increased 100%.
- Be part of Petrobras Drilling Team (Bits and Directional support).
Sales & Service Engineer – Field Service Management
SCHLUMBERGER OILFIELD SERVICES, DRILLING & MEASUREMENTS
10.2000 - 11.2003
- Performing bit proposals for bit tenders.
- Supervising and training of field technicians and management of the relationship with major Oil & Gas companies, local and IOC’s.
- Field Service Management.
- Member of Schlumberger’s Drilling Engineering Center as bit engineer support for all drilling projects in Brazil.
Field Engineer
REED HYCALOG COLOMBIA
06.1998 - 10.2000
- Technical support in the field (PDC, bicentrix and tricone designs)
Drilling Engineer Support
SPERRY SUN DRILLING SERVICES COLOMBIA
11.1997 - 05.1998
- Directional Drilling Support for BPX’s wells
- Directional Drilling Training.
Assistant Engineer of Operations Department
ARGOSY ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
09.1996 - 10.1997
- Assisting in all activities of Operations Department (Field and Office)
- Design of General Drilling Program.
Engineering Trainee
ASESORIA EN INGENIERIA DE PETROLEOS
07.1995 - 05.1996
- Assistant in the project, “Design of a Database for High Magdalena District”, job developed for Ecopetrol.
- Digitizing structural and geological maps with Geographix Exploration System Software.
Education
Master’s in business administration - MBA
Inalde Business School
Bsc - Petroleum Engineering
Fundación Universidad de América
Skills
Operations management
Human resources management
Organizational development
Planning and execution
Customer service management
Training and mentoring
Strategic development
Strategy realignment
Business analysis
Strategic planning
Organizations
- Member of Society of Petroleum Engineer – SPE
- Member of Colombian Professional Council of Petroleum Engineering - CPIP
- Member of Colombian Association of Petroleum Engineer - Acipet
Accomplishments
Key Projects
- Digital Transformation of ACIPET: Guided the association through a complete digital overhaul, enabling improved virtual outreach and process efficiency.
- Central America Expansion with SGS Colombia: Led strategic operations to penetrate Caribbean markets, securing contracts with top-tier clients in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.
- Revenue Growth and Strategy Redesign for NOV Downhole Products: Innovated leasing models and optimized inventory management, achieving a 33% growth in sales revenues.
Certification
- Diploma in Coaching for Leaders Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
Timeline
Senior Key Account Manager Oil, Gas & Chemicals for Colombia and Central America
SGS Colombia SAS
07.2023 - 04.2024
Business Adviser & Consultant
Own Company
07.2022 - Current
Professor
Fundación Universidad de América
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Diploma in Coaching for Leaders Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
06-2019
Executive Director
ACIPET (Colombian Association of Petroleum Engineers)
04.2019 - 06.2021
Technical & Business Advisor
BEQ INVESTMENT
01.2017 - 06.2019
Sales Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
12.2015 - 02.2016
Country Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
12.2011 - 12.2015
Business Development Manager – Drilling Tools
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
05.2011 - 12.2011
Sales Manager
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Venezuela)
02.2011 - 12.2011
Business Development Manager – Drill Bits
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO – DOWNHOLE PRODUCT LINE. (NOV Downhole de Colombia)
01.2011 - 05.2011
Sales & Operations Manager
SUBTERRA – NOV/REED HYCALOG
12.2008 - 02.2010
Operations Manager
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2007 - 12.2008
Operations Manager
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2006 - 12.2006
Drilling Bits Evaluation Engineer for Gulf of Mexico
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
01.2005 - 12.2005
Drilling Bits Optimization Engineer for Petrobras
GRANT PRIDECO – REED HYCALOG
11.2003 - 12.2004
Sales & Service Engineer – Field Service Management
SCHLUMBERGER OILFIELD SERVICES, DRILLING & MEASUREMENTS
10.2000 - 11.2003
Field Engineer
REED HYCALOG COLOMBIA
06.1998 - 10.2000
Drilling Engineer Support
SPERRY SUN DRILLING SERVICES COLOMBIA
11.1997 - 05.1998
Assistant Engineer of Operations Department
ARGOSY ENERGY INTERNATIONAL
09.1996 - 10.1997
Engineering Trainee
ASESORIA EN INGENIERIA DE PETROLEOS
07.1995 - 05.1996
Bsc - Petroleum Engineering
Fundación Universidad de América
Master’s in business administration - MBA
Inalde Business School
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