Kim Pinyopusarerk
With an optimistic and energetic outlook, Kim Pinyopusarerk is ushering in a new era of energy. She believes that current industry leaders need to communicate, teach and work with the new generation workforce in order to create a thriving energy future. Throughout each of her roles within the oil and gas sector at Carrizo Oil & Gas, Energy XXI and now Callon Petroleum, she has learned to put her trust in the industry—and the industry has rewarded her for it.
Why did you enter the oil and gas industry?
“I am a Texas A&M University graduate, and in 2004, almost all the companies at the career fair were in the oil and gas industry. From the start, I have loved my career trajectory. I have gotten to visit some amazing places, work with smart people and done things in my career I never thought I’d ever do. I don’t think there’s any other industry where your career can take so many different turns.”
Which of your professional achievements are you most proud of?
“I am proud of my SPE-GCS Young Outstanding Member Award from 2010. That year, the chapter’s president wanted to nominate me for the Texas Young Engineer of the Year, but I wasn’t an engineer, so they nominated me for the member award instead. I have always given back to my industry and profession, and to be recognized for my work five years into my technical career was great.”
Describe a memorable professional experience.
“[Being] a female IR [investor relations] practitioner in two traditionally male-dominated industries (investing and oil and gas) is difficult sometimes. Having started out in the profession in my late 20s, I was very intimidated when around C-suite executives. It also did not help that I started my new career at Energy XXI, where my CEO was larger than life. I left Energy XXI thinking all executives were like that. When I came to Carrizo and worked with the leadership team there, my first trip with the CEO was on a United economy class flight. He met me at the terminal wearing a casual suit. It was the first time I understood that CEOs can be regular people too, and if I can find comfort in being myself around them, I can be better at my job.”
What are your long- and short-term career goals?
“In the short term, I want to continue developing as a finance and ESG professional. In the long term, who knows? I learned early on to never make career plans because it will never pan out. Instead, I now go wherever the industry needs me. The industry and my profession have given so much to me. It’s taken me in different career paths and given me a life I never dreamed of. I know that if I continue giving back to my profession and my industry, it’ll take care of me.”
What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
“The industry has given so much to me. It’s taken me in different career paths and given me a life I never dreamed of. I know it’s cliché but it’s true. I have seen so many crazy and cool things throughout my almost 20 years in the industry. I know that if I continue giving back to my profession and my industry, it’ll take care of me.”
- While the majority of my career has been in investor relations, my degree is actually in chemistry and math. I have an MBA, but the reality is I’ve only taken one real finance class.
- Many people will describe me as an extrovert, but I am actually a very introverted person, which is not a good thing for someone who works in investor relations. I have learned how to be personable and energetic by working at it over the years.
- I really enjoy running and working out. Most days, you can find me sneaking out for a lunchtime run in the neighborhood next to my office—yes, even in 100-degree weather!