Stillwater Associates is pleased to welcome Eric Lingman as our newest Associate. Eric brings decades of experience in refining, optimization, and clean fuels, developed through hands-on work at refineries across the U.S. West Coast, Asia, Europe, and beyond. His technical depth, global market perspective, and track record of innovative solutions make him a valuable addition to the Stillwater team.
Eric’s career began on the West Coast at ARCO’s Los Angeles Refinery, first as a Process Engineer and later as a refinery blender. In that role, he co-invented EC1, the first commercially produced clean gasoline in the U.S. – initially dispensed through former leaded gasoline pumps – helping set the industry on a path to cleaner fuels. He also led the conversion of a gasoil hydrocracker and diesel hydrotreater to produce prototype CARB-compliant diesel. Together, these projects marked the dawn of the clean fuels era in refining.
His scope soon expanded globally. Through an ARCO joint venture with a Chinese refinery, Eric helped double the plant’s capacity while gaining key insights into Asian markets. Later, as Planning Manager for ARCO’s Carson refinery, he integrated supply operations across the Pacific Northwest, Bay Area, and Los Angeles, optimizing the West Coast supply chain.
When BP acquired ARCO in 2000, Eric moved to London to work in corporate strategy, focusing on international trade flows, pricing, and refining optimization. He later became Technology Manager for TNK-BP in Russia, overseeing development at five refineries. Returning to the U.S., Eric led optimization at BP’s Carson refinery, generating $300 million in value in his first year after a long stretch of underperformance.
In his subsequent consulting career, Eric managed projects in Texas, Hawaii, South Africa, and Trinidad, including a role supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development for BP. His work also expanded into emerging energy transition projects such as world-scale Direct Air Capture development for Aramco.
Joining Stillwater has allowed Eric to reconnect with longtime colleagues Leigh Noda, Adam Schubert, and Jim Mladenik, making this both a professional and personal homecoming.
Today, Eric thrives in what he calls “a period of transition” in transportation fuels. “There is so much uncertainty, which translates into opportunities to innovate, adapt, and guide clients through change.” he says.
Eric is particularly focused on the rollout of renewable diesel and SAF: “They can be produced from the same unit, turning seed oils into transportation fuels and creating real opportunities for refiners to decarbonize their operations.”
When not solving energy market puzzles, Eric stays active with tennis (not a pickleball player…yet), golf, and day sailing on Galveston Bay.
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