Kajsa Greenhoward

A native of Onsala, Sweden, Kajsa (KAI-sa) Greenhoward’s motivation for entering the oil and gas industry was driven by the need for employment.

“I was in need of a job and had a referral to Chesapeake,” Greenhoward said. “I was offered the job and have really enjoyed it from the start. It has provided me with challenges and learning opportunities in many different areas of finance throughout the years. I have been fortunate to work with people who included me in new projects and were willing to teach me. Being part of something that impacts not only staff, but the community is and has been rewarding.”

She began at Chesapeake in 2001 and has many memorable experiences. Early in her career, the challenge was to hone accounting, forecasting and reporting skills as the company grew quickly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chesapeake filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and Greenhoward led the corporate and strategic planning team as the company navigated the challenges of bankruptcy.

It was both a demanding yet rewarding time at Chesapeake, she said, as she carried the weight of high-stake decision-making while collaborating with the executive team to guide the company. Her principal project today is assisting in the transformation of the company to a leader in the industry, which is what she terms the “ultimate reward.”

As a woman in the industry, Greenhoward said she has responded to gender challenges by learning and contributing as much as she can.

“I am just me, a hard worker, mom and wife,” she said. “I advocate for a seat at the table; I don’t shy away from challenges. That said, it has not happened without sacrificing time from my family.”

For Greenhoward, the most formative experiences were being raised on a farm and seeing her parents’ dedication and positive attitude in dealing with challenges. They learned from their challenges and found opportunities for growth within them, she said.

Greenhoward advises young professionals, especially young women in the energy sector, to actively seek mentorship and stay informed about industry trends.

“Continuously develop your technical and soft skills,” she said. “Never hesitate to voice your ideas, contribute to discussions and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”

When she started with Chesapeake, her goals were centered on gaining expertise in oil and gas accounting and best practices. Today, her objectives have evolved to include a broader focus on supporting the company and its staff, and the company’s long-term vision.

“The industry has undergone significant changes: dealing with technological advancements, environmental concerns and fluctuating market dynamics,” she said. “Challenges include navigating energy transitions, addressing environmental sustainability and adapting to geopolitical shifts. The sector has also faced economic downturns and the need for resilience in the face of global uncertainties. Adapting to these changes while delivering a profitable and sustainable business has become paramount.”

Innovation and agility will be crucial for the oil and gas industry to adapt to evolving market dynamics and emerging technologies, she said. Embracing diversity and inclusion will help because they provide varied perspectives to problem-solving.

“In terms of technology, investments in digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence can enhance operational efficiency and decision-making,” Greenhoward said. “A future-ready oil and gas industry necessitates a commitment to sustainability, innovation, adaptability and collaboration to navigate challenges and contribute to a resilient and responsible energy landscape.”

Check out the rest of Hart Energy's 2024 Women in Energy here.