Leadership with a vision for a green future has become increasingly important in today’s world as we face pressing environmental challenges. We need business leaders who understand the gravity of the situation and are committed to creating a sustainable and greener future for our planet. Meet Karen de Lathouder, CEO of bp Netherlands since beginning of 2022, a seasoned chemical engineer with an impressive career spanning over a decade in the industry. Karen holds a PhD in chemical engineering from the prestigious Delft University of Technology and has worked with industry giants such as Shell, Akzonobel, Orpic, and bp in the UK and Germany.

Karen’s appointment comes with a clear vision – to lead the company towards a CO2-neutral future. She believes that the Dutch industry has a significant role to play in creating sustainable products and practices, and she aims to make bp a leader in this movement. With a collaborative approach involving the team, public, and private partners, Karen aims to make bp’s net zero strategy a reality by 2050 or earlier.

Karen is passionate about the cause and is eager to lead the way for the betterment of everyone. “We must strive to make the industry cleaner, more sustainable, and better for everyone. Together, we will take on the challenge of creating a net zero future, not only for ourselves but for future generations,” says Karen.

With her expertise, experience, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Karen is all set to lead bp Netherlands towards a greener and brighter future.

A Journey into the Energy Industry and Environmental Advocacy

Karen’s journey into the energy industry started with a childhood fascination for the sea of lights in the port of Rotterdam. Inspired by her grandfather, an aerospace engineer, she pursued a degree in engineering and went on to earn a PhD in chemical engineering. However, academia felt lonely for Karen, who was passionate about working with people and manufacturing. This led her to start her career as a unit support engineer in the Shell Pernis Refinery, where she fell in love with the job. Despite working for oil majors, Karen has always been conscious of the environment and strives to make a difference in how we use the earth’s resources at home and work. She believes that the energy industry is where she can make the most impact to limit global warming and achieve the goals set under the Paris agreement.

Karen has gained experience working in different refinery units, offshore and even managing a salt plant in rural Denmark. In 2017, she joined bp, managing the chemicals park at Saltend, Hull, UK. Karen is proud to be back in the Port of Rotterdam, working on the energy system of the future and striving to meet the ambitious targets set in the Netherlands. This led her to become the CEO of bp Netherlands, where she can have a larger impact on driving ustainable practices and environmental advocacy in the energy industry.

Steps Taken to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Over the past few years, there has been mounting pressure on the energy industry to shift towards more sustainable practices. In response to this, bp has undergone a significant transformation. The company has established a new direction and purpose, with a net zero ambition and strategy at its core.

To achieve its net-zero target, bp has launched new businesses focused on offshore wind and hydrogen. The company has also made substantial investments in bioenergy, EV charging, and convenience. Rather than simply selling off assets to reduce CO2 emissions, bp is committed to decarbonizing them wherever possible.

Addressing bp Netherlands’ Challenges in the Energy Transition

Karen recognizes that the energy transition is one of the biggest challenges facing the company in the coming years. To meet this challenge, she emphasizes the need for an orderly and accelerated transition that avoids mismatches between supply and demand, which could result in higher prices and a cost-of-living crisis for people.

The key challenges facing bp Netherlands are the conversion of the current energy system into the energy system of the future as quickly as possible. This requires not only technological feasibility but also legislative support, a clear vision, and proper pricing mechanisms to create the conditions for a speedy transformation. As an industry player, bp Netherlands has a critical role to play, leveraging existing trading and supply positions, experience in delivering complex projects, and existing assets to build on.

In the Netherlands, the industry and government are working to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place, and permitting is fast enough to meet the challenging timelines for new renewable projects.

The company is collaborating with key governmental stakeholders and partners to create the right conditions and investing heavily in decarbonizing its Rotterdam Refinery while maximizing bio feedstock.

To meet the challenges of the energy transition, bp Netherlands recognizes the need for an incredible amount of talented people. Diversity and collaboration in the Port of Rotterdam to attract talent are among the most critical drivers for success. bp Netherlands is involved in various initiatives to attract people to the Port of Rotterdam, providing training and sponsoring events such as Rotterdam Pride.

Role and Responsibilities

Karen strongly believes that the company has a responsibility towards the communities in which it operates. This includes investing in bp’s transition to sustainable energy, ensuring energy security, creating value for shareholders, being a good neighbor and citizen while respecting local laws, customs, living space, and the environment.

bp aims to create a positive impact on society through its operations, by working with local communities to address their needs and concerns. The company strives to maintain a sustainable business model that is beneficial to all stakeholders. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and creating a safe and supportive workplace for employees.

bp is committed to becoming a net-zero company by 2050 or sooner. This involves transitioning to renewable forms of energy, such as wind and solar power, and increasing the use of lower carbon. The company also invests in carbon capture and storage technology, which helps to reduce emissions fuels industrial processes.

In addition, bp engages in partnerships and collaborations with local communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations to drive sustainable practices and create shared value. The company works closely with these stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns, and to ensure that its operations are sustainable, beneficial, and aligned with the goals of the communities in which it operates.

Energy Industry’s Role in Addressing Climate Change

Karen believes that the energy industry plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change. The industry’s capabilities in designing and deploying large and complex projects, its innovation power, and its position in the current energy system make it an essential player in the transition towards a sustainable future.

Karen chose to work for bp because of the company’s potential for large-scale impact. With its global presence, experience, and funds, bp can help drive the transition to a sustainable energy system. However, Karen emphasizes that it is essential to work together as an industry to achieve this goal. Partnerships and a system-wide approach to the energy system are necessary to coordinate the transition efficiently and effectively.

Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Diversity in the Energy Sector

Karen has faced various challenges throughout her career, but she has always been able to overcome them. As a woman in a leadership position, she believes that authenticity and staying true to one’s strengths are crucial for success. She acknowledges that each leader is different and that gender does not necessarily define one’s leadership style.

However, despite the progress made, Karen notes that the energy industry still struggles to retain talented women and help them progress. She feels fortunate to work for bp, which has been proactive in promoting gender diversity and has many talented women working for the company.

To overcome gender bias and promote diversity, Karen ensures that the organization hires the right talent by having female applicants and interviewers for each role they fill. She recognizes that gender diversity is just one aspect of diversity and that a great employer reflects society as a whole.

Karen is determined to inspire young people, especially women, to study engineering and work towards driving the energy transition. She hopes that her example can encourage others to pursue their passions and overcome any challenges they may face.

Fostering an Environment of Authenticity and Support

bp places a strong emphasis on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that allows employees to bring their true selves to work. Karen is personally committed to being open about her identity and sexual orientation. bp supports its employees in various ways, such as implementing DE&I objectives, creating business resource groups, providing safe space training, and offering professional assistance on a broad range of topics. Creating a culture where individuals feel comfortable speaking up is crucial to Karen, and as a leader, she ensures that she is always accessible and willing to listen and engage across different areas of the organization. Additionally, bp sponsors different pride initiatives and endorses GEO, a Dutch foundation that advocates for increased LGBTQ+ representation and participation in C-level and senior leadership positions.

Advice for Aspiring Energy Professionals

Karen suggests that for aspiring young professionals who want to make a career in the energy sector, it would be wise to invest in their own future by joining a company that is focused on environmental sustainability. This decision would not only offer an exciting job but also allow them to be a part of the most significant transition the world has ever seen.

Website: https://www.bp.com/