Jimmy Barrieau
Jimmy Barrieau, VP Commercial Drilling Services at Boart Longyear, leads growth in complex resource markets by focusing on performance, safety and client value. He emphasizes disciplined execution, strong workforce capability and technology adoption to deliver reliable, efficient drilling solutions globally.
Leading Growth in Technical Markets
Commercial growth in drilling services is less about “selling harder” and more about outperforming on value, reliability, and relevance in a cyclical, capital intensive market. A strong approach combines customer relationships, market focus, disciplined portfolio choices, and execution at the rig site.
In today’s market, the ability to be agile and show proven results is the value customers are looking for.
Our experience has led to a sharp focus on key jurisdictional strategies and evaluating risk, considering WACC, ROIC, etc., that ultimately enables a profit-focused organization.
Balancing Efficiency, Safety and Expectations
Drilling is still a people business. Effective management of our human capital and the development of sustainable growth strategies remain our focus. Having a well-trained, capable workforce is our key to rapid growth. We focus on quality over quantity in that regard.
"Commercial growth in drilling services is less about ‘selling harder’ and more about outperforming on value, reliability, and relevance in a cyclical, capitalintensive market."
Building Strong Client Partnerships
Understanding the client’s needs. Build trust through repeatable execution and own mistakes if/when they happen. Regular engagements with current customers to review KPIs and ensure open communication are very important. Empowering project leadership with the right information to execute the contract and work with their client peers day in and day out.
Alignment on multiple levels of the client organization. The focus is on vertical integration within the client organization. Commercial, operations, EHS and teams have a cadence and process to meet and align at various levels of each organization.
Trends Shaping Drilling Services
AI tools are already transforming how we function. Allowing for crips, focused transactional tendering from a commercial perspective. Historically, the estimating process was part knowledge-based and part data-based. AI enables each element to be sharpened, resulting in accurate, holistic tenders submitted to our customers.
From a resource development perspective, service providers that incorporate new technologies, such as autonomous drilling equipment, will materially impact the industry. There remains significant potential to achieve previously unattained efficiency with semi- or fully autonomous rigs. We believe we have early-stage technology that will see this transformation in the industry. It is exciting to envision the future state of our global fleet.
Leadership Lessons for Future Professionals
Be opportunistic. Take advantage of any opportunity that introduces you to the wider industry. Be engaged with various functions of your organization and your customers. Do not stop learning. Academics are one way, but real-world experience and seeing how to get things done are the real value-adds to your personal experience.
