Deliver measurable profit growth with expert-led, low-capex initiatives.
Refinery Optimization Consulting for Margin and Performance Improvement
How the UNLOCK Framework Improves Refinery Profitability
Every downstream refinery business has untapped profit potential. Stillwater’s team of industry veterans has hands-on experience building competitive advantage. UNLOCK is our proven approach; we work with your cross-functional team to identify and implement low-capex initiatives to increase your profitability quickly.
Identifying and Implementing
Low capex/high margin initiatives to improve profit in 12-24 months
Stillwater Industry Veterans
Working with your cross-functional team, to integrate crude sourcing, market insights, and refinery know-how
A Collaborative Process
That provokes, inspires, and guides your team to challenge operational habits that no longer serve the business
A Cross-Functional View
Considering the full, downstream value chain
Build Robust Capabilities
And a winning commercial mindset that sustains profitability long-term
Past Successes
FCC Optimization: Riser Temperature Increase
- Raised FCC riser outlet temp by 10°F
- Increased gasoil conversion by 2%
- EBITDA uplift | Zero Capex
Crude Slate Flexibility: High-Chloride Crude Processing
- Added caustic injection to enable processing of discounted high-chloride crudes
- 10% discounted crude blend in large USWC refinery
- Major profitability uplift | Minimal Capex
CDU Optimization: Operating Pressure Reduction
- Reduced CDU operating pressure
- Increased throughput by 2%
- EBITDA uplift | Zero Capex
Eliminating Unnecessary Water Handling Costs
- E&P added water to crude; downstream paid premium to transport and remove it
- Eliminated unnecessary water addition
- EBITDA uplift | Zero Capex
Why Stillwater?
Industry-oriented solutions facilitated by industry veterans
Our experts leverage decades of experience at energy majors to help you navigate challenges with the highest level of industry knowledge, market analysis, policy insight, and emerging technology strategies.
We have walked in your shoes and have been accountable for results.
At Stillwater, experience runs deep…
Eric Lingman, Senior Advisor
40+ years as a chemical engineer & energy exec | Refining, value chain optimization, clean fuels, decarbonization | Led ops & commercial teams in U.S. and abroad | Expert in practical solutions for margin-, cost-, and carbon-reduction
UNLOCK Value: Eric’s hands-on refinery operations leadership and commercial acumen drives the margin improvement, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration central to UNLOCK. His industry perspective ensures clients achieve results that are practical, immediate, and sustainable.
Click here to read Eric’s bio.
Vaughn Hulleman, Senior Associate
30+ years strategy & business transformation | Exxon Mobil (exploration & corporate planning) | PwC-IBM & Accenture | BSc Geophysics, Masters Economics, CFA
UNLOCK Value: Vaughn blends hands-on oil and gas operations experience with large-consulting delivery expertise. He has led over 20 major efforts to improve organizational performance improving operating models, business process, and implementing advanced technologies. He consistently identifies improvement opportunities and successfully implements them.
Click here to read Vaughn’s bio.
Chuck LeTavec, Senior Associate
30+ years refining, logistics, and supply chain expertise | Delivered $500M+ in commercial value via margin improvement and cost reduction | Expert in project appraisal, renewables, and operational transition
UNLOCK Value: Chuck has a long track record of delivering substantial commercial value by bridging refining, supply, and logistics functions. His experience in both traditional and renewable fuels, asset optimization, and complex project implementation ensures clients gain immediate margin improvements.
Click here to read Chuck’s bio.
Dave Hackett, Chairman of the Board
40+ years downstream fuels expertise | Former Mobil Supply & Trading | Founded Stillwater Associates
Core Strengths: Refining technology, petroleum logistics, downstream strategy, M&A, policy advisory
Industry Recognition: California Energy Commission PMAC member | Expert testimony to U.S. Congress
UNLOCK Value: Dave’s operational expertise (refining technology, logistics), commercial acumen (supply/trading, pricing), and cross-functional perspective (policy, strategy, M&A) exemplifies the industry veteran approach that drives UNLOCK success. His ability to identify value across the downstream value chain – from crude selection to product distribution – has been central to Stillwater’s reputation for uncovering margin opportunities clients didn’t know existed.
Click here to read Dave’s bio.
Jeff Kennedy, Senior Associate
18+ years Mobil Oil exec | Led transformations, supply/logistics & strategy | $1B to the bottom linen | Turned around major downstream & chemical ops | Entrepreneurial, results-driven change leader
UNLOCK Value: Jeff is an expert at spotting and delivering high-impact margin opportunities across the value chain. He sees things others miss.
Click here to read Jeff’s bio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses is UNLOCK designed for?
While many opportunities are in refining operations, UNLOCK is designed to work across the downstream value chain, including crude selection, supply and logistics, and product sales. This end‑to‑end view helps capture value at handoffs between functions where profit opportunities often hide.
What problems does UNLOCK solve?
Many downstream businesses leave tens of millions of dollars in value on the table due to small inefficiencies, missed synergies, and outdated constraints. Through our UNLOCK process, we collaboratively surface those issues, challenge operational habits that no longer serve your business, and translate insights into actionable, profit‑generating initiatives.
How does the UNLOCK process work?
UNLOCK centers on facilitated, cross‑functional workshops that bring together refining, commercial, and logistics teams. Through structured discussions and targeted analysis, Stillwater helps your team identify, scope, and prioritize a portfolio of improvement initiatives, then supports tracking progress and value realization.
What kinds of outcomes and deliverables can we expect from UNLOCK?
Typical outcomes include a prioritized list of zero‑ or low‑capex initiatives that can be executed in 12-24 months, each with clear owners, timelines, and estimated margin uplift, along with a more energized commercial mindset and stronger cross‑functional alignment around ongoing performance improvement. Deliverables typically include a structured opportunity register, initial sizing of potential EBITDA uplift, and a roadmap for implementation and performance tracking, plus facilitation, coaching, and practical guidance to help your team move from ideas to execution.
How big is the potential value?
We have seen tens of millions of dollars in unrealized annual margin improvement across the downstream value chain, depending on asset base and commercial context. Individual initiatives may range from modest incremental gains to step‑change improvements in throughput, yield, or crude advantage.
What makes Stillwater different from other consulting firms?
Stillwater’s experts have “walked in your shoes,” with decades of deep operational, commercial, and policy experience across the downstream sector. The UNLOCK approach emphasizes practical, immediately actionable improvements rather than theoretical recommendations, and leverages a fresh, outside perspective to challenge organizational habits.
Ready to UNLOCK unrealized profit?
Access fresh outside perspective from seasoned industry insiders.
Book a meeting with our UNLOCK team to discuss your needs.