By Rita Okoye

Oluwafunmilayo Gboyesola Erinle, a powerhouse in the global energy sector, has built an illustrious career characterized by strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a profound commitment to safety and sustainability.

Based in Humble, Texas, Erinle’s influence extends far beyond her immediate environment, impacting energy practices worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, she has emerged as a transformative leader whose work has not only redefined standards in project management and continuous improvement but also set new benchmarks for health, safety, and environmental practices across the globe.

Erinle’s journey began with a solid academic foundation in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where she graduated as the Best Graduating Female Engineer. This achievement foreshadowed her groundbreaking career path, which would later see her breaking barriers in the male-dominated energy sector. Starting as a Field Engineer in Sand Face Completions and Coiled Tubing at Schlumberger, Erinle quickly demonstrated her technical acumen and problem-solving skills, laying a strong foundation for her ascent in the industry.

Joining Halliburton, a global leader in energy services, Erinle quickly made her mark by taking on increasingly challenging roles that showcased her leadership, innovation, and dedication to safety and excellence. As a Service Manager and Performance Development Coordinator for Production Enhancement, she was instrumental in human resource development, fostering a culture of safety and service quality within the Product Service Line (PSL). Erinle’s ability to drive the adoption of new technologies and processes led to significant improvements in operational efficiency and safety outcomes. Her leadership in promoting the Halliburton Management System (HMS) and conducting peer-assist mock audits prepared teams across regions for critical industry audits, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and her capacity to lead on a global stage.

From 2017 to 2019, Erinle served as the Business Segment Manager for Production Enhancement, where she managed financial forecasting, cost control, and performance oversight across multiple crews and customer sites. Her strategic approach ensured the successful implementation of Halliburton’s value propositions and objectives, driving safety excellence and customer satisfaction. Erinle’s focus on workforce planning, training, and competency development has had a lasting impact, fostering a new generation of energy professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in a competitive industry.

In 2019, Erinle made history as the first female Operations Country Manager for Halliburton Nigeria. In this pioneering role, she led the country’s Production Enhancement Service Line with a sharp focus on maximizing shareholder value while maintaining exceptional safety standards. Her strategic leadership in executing local pricing strategies and technology initiatives demonstrated her ability to align local operations with Halliburton’s global business goals. Erinle’s tenure in this role was marked by a relentless drive to optimize operations and foster growth, significantly enhancing Halliburton’s footprint in Nigeria and setting a precedent for gender diversity in leadership roles within the energy sector.

As Country HSE & SQ Manager from 2020 to 2023, Erinle was pivotal in reshaping Halliburton’s health, safety, environment, and service quality (HSE & SQ) strategies. Her efforts to develop and implement an integrated management system aligning with both company needs and global industry standards have been instrumental in establishing Halliburton as a leader in safety and environmental stewardship. Erinle’s work involved close collaboration with global HSE teams, customers, and regulatory bodies, ensuring consistent application and understanding of standards and requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Her leadership in driving HSEQ programs, processes, and strategies has not only enhanced safety and operational efficiency within Halliburton but also influenced industry best practices worldwide. Erinle’s role in achieving successful internal and external audits, including those by IAS and API Q2, is a testament to her strategic oversight and commitment to compliance and excellence.

In her current role as Global Continuous Improvement Manager at Halliburton’s North Belt Campus, Erinle’s influence has expanded further. She collaborates with transformational leaders to spearhead continuous improvement strategies and establish sustainable processes across all levels of the product service line. Her ability to mentor teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement has been critical in driving operational efficiencies and enhancing competencies globally. By promoting the transfer of business strategies and best practices across geographies, Erinle has played a key role in unifying Halliburton’s approach to business challenges, ensuring that the company’s global operations are aligned and optimized for success.

Erinle’s global influence is not confined to her roles at Halliburton. As a certified engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and an active member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), she has been a leading voice in promoting engineering excellence and professional development across continents. Her involvement in professional organizations and her continuous pursuit of knowledge through rigorous training programs at institutions such as Mays Business School at Texas A&M University highlight her commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to advancing the field on a global scale.

Her exceptional contributions to the energy sector have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Halliburton Maximizing Value-Added Performance Award, Halliburton’s President’s Leadership Excellence Program (PLEP) Graduate, and the Global Halliburton Award – EESSA Rising Star. These accolades reflect her ability to drive innovation, deliver outstanding performance, and lead with vision and integrity. Erinle’s leadership has been a driving force behind Halliburton’s ability to navigate complex global markets and maintain its position as a leader in the energy sector.

Funmilayo Erinle’s work has had a profound impact on the global energy landscape. Her leadership in continuous improvement and HSE management has not only elevated Halliburton’s operational standards but has also set new benchmarks for safety and environmental practices across the industry. By integrating robust safety protocols with innovative technological solutions, Erinle has advanced the field of energy exploration and production, ensuring that operations are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

Her strategic initiatives have influenced energy practices worldwide, fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and excellence that transcends borders. Erinle’s work has paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the energy sector, inspiring a new generation of female leaders to pursue careers in this challenging field. Her legacy is one of groundbreaking achievements and global influence, proving that with vision, expertise, and determination, it is possible to drive meaningful change and set new standards of excellence in the energy industry.

As she continues to lead with passion and purpose, Funmilayo Erinle remains a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that the power of leadership and innovation can transform industries and create a lasting impact on a global scale. Her career is not just a testament to personal success but a powerful narrative of how one individual’s vision and dedication can reshape the future of the global energy sector.