by Eamonn Houston
Abdulhakim A. Al-Gouhi, center, poses with Saudi Aramco president and CEO Amin Nasser and other members of corporate management during a farewell ceremony held last week in Dhahran. (Photo: Abdulaziz Al-Moaiweed/MPD)
Dhahran — As he leaves Aramco after almost 40 years of service, Abdulhakim A. Al-Gouhi was praised for his dedication, expertise, and leadership at a special ceremony for the former vice president of Industrial Services.
Hosted by senior vice president for Human Resources and Corporate Services Nabeel A. Al-Jama’, the ceremony was attended by Saudi Aramco president and CEO Amin Nasser and members of corporate and executive management.
Al-Gouhi joined Aramco in 1982 at the age of 23, accumulating extensive experience with the company ranging from oil and gas production to Downstream operations, pipelines and terminals, refining, supply planning, hydrocarbon transportation, joint ventures, and finally, Industrial Services, to which he was appointed as vice president in 2015.
Impact and Influence
In noting Al-Gouhi’s contributions over the decades, Al-Jama’ said, “As I was thinking about what to say about Abdulhakim, I kept coming back to two words — impact and influence.
“Abdulhakim has made an enormous impression on Saudi Aramco and the people who have worked with him and for him,” Al-Jama’ said, adding that Al-Gouhi has been a driving force in leading Industrial Services to help keep Aramco moving and working.
“In some ways it’s a behind-the-scenes job, where success is measured in reliability, resilience, continuity, and cost effectiveness. But maintaining reliability becomes a challenge when the company is growing in leaps and bounds,” said al-Jama’.
Al-Jama’ further noted how those in the company benefited from Al-Gouhi’s leadership, wise guidance, and unwavering support.
Abdulhakim A. Al-Gouhi spent nearly four decades at Aramco in a wide variety of roles and jobs, stepping down in his final role as vice president of Industrial Services.
Happy and Honored
Reflecting on his career, Al-Gouhi said: “I am very fortunate. Aramco molded me with knowledge and experience, and I have had the chance to work all over Aramco, most recently in Industrial Services, where I had the chance to work with Aviation, Marine, Shops, Transportation and Corporate Maintenance. So, I have been extremely fortunate in my career, I experienced the full horizon.”
Adding that it has been an honor and privilege to make a career at Aramco and that he was appreciative for the knowledge and experience the company provided, he offered some parting advice to the next generation of employees and leaders.
“To employees, I would say that you have an outstanding employer — a diverse integrated energy producer that brings value to the world — and you are a major contributor and a valuable part of this enterprise.
“To our young employees, I say take the lead of your development. Take each task, small or big, seriously, and get the most out of it. Set high expectations, anticipate challenges and look for opportunities.
“This company has always demonstrated the highest levels of resilience, ingenuity, and development. The future is full of opportunities and investments. Transformation will never stop our pursuit of excellence. This can only be done by you,” Al- Gouhi concluded.
Appreciation
When an employee was asked what they would miss about Al-Gouhi, the employee quickly answered the leaders’ frequent visits to the field where he always greeted workers and had kind words for them. Al-Gouhi earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in 1982, and attended the Executive Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005.
— The Arabian Sun: July 29, 2020 | Vol. LXXV, No. 30