Rick Penfield

Senior Associate

With over thirty-five years’ combined experience at ExxonMobil, its affiliated and predecessor companies, and as a consultant, Rick brings extensive leadership, supply chain planning and analytical knowledge to his clients. He provides a global perspective to crude oil and gas liquids trading and operations gained through assignments in Canada, England, Qatar, and the United States. He excels in building world-class, high-performing teams in a cross-cultural context.

At Imperial Oil, Rick improved diluent supply chain resiliency and economics while meeting demand that more than doubled over a two-year period. Under secondment to the Qatari government, he was instrumental in establishing Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company (Tasweeq) to consolidate the international marketing of Qatar’s refined products, LPG, condensate, and sulphur, and to maximize value to Qatar and its producing entities. As a consultant, he has also identified and developed many value-added opportunities. He has a strong track record improving logistics access and economics through his leadership of and key contributions to numerous corporate initiatives.

Contributions

Policy

Pancakes, Politics, and Pipelines: The Political Winds Supporting the Development of Canadian Crude Oil Pipelines

August 25, 2026

The Calgary Stampede is an opportunity for folks to let their hair down and become a cowboy or cowgirl for ten days every July. Billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Stampede attracts tourists from around the world and politicians from around Canada. Local and visiting politicians take in the fun that is...

Economics

What More Venezuelan Crude Imports Could Mean for the U.S. Crude Slate

October 1, 2025

There is renewed attention on the role of Venezuelan crude in U.S. crude balances as Gulf Coast (USGC) refineries continue to seek heavy sour grades – precisely the type Venezuela produces. With supply constraints from Mexico and increased competition for Canadian barrels, alternative feedstocks are in sharper focus. Some market watchers question whether Venezuelan crude,...