Thomas Kramer, PE. CSP

1. How do you define “excellence” in Safety, Health, and Sustainability specifically within the Middle Eastern energy sector—and how does it differ from global benchmarks?

As the second part of the question indicates, excellence is best evaluated against a set of benchmarks. While each benchmark from around the globe was created with the best of intentions, each could be at least slightly better in some ways. In working with leaders in this region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is continuously working to establish the leading benchmark. This is created when comparing various benchmarks from around the globe and selecting the key differentiators from each. With that said, one could say zero harm is the definition of excellence. To me, that is too simplistic. I define excellence as reaching towards an always evolving set of leading indicators that create a learning culture within an organization.

2. The summit emphasizes AI, digital transformation and cybersecurity in HSE. Which of these technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact in the next 2–3 years in the region—and why?

This question is difficult to answer because these technologies are so interrelated. With that in mind, I think the digital transformation aspect is rapidly maturing and when you leverage AI and cybersecurity, you can create a digital legacy that honours our past. A specific example is the loss of institutional knowledge as members of our companies retire. Properly deployed, the digital transformation helps transition this institutional knowledge to our next generation of leaders.

3. Can you share a case study or initiative from your organization in areas such as process safety, risk management, or workforce well‑being that illustrates measurable progress?

This video provides a great example and we can likely provide more.

4. With evolving ESG frameworks and stricter regulations in the Gulf, what do you see as the biggest compliance or implementation challenge—and what strategies have you found effective?

I think the biggest challenge will be whether the regulations can keep up with the pace of innovation. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and I prepared a presentation addressing this specific issue for the 2024 Professional Development Conference for the American Society of Safety Professionals in Denver CO, USA. The strategy is simple, but not always easy to do – Prevention through Design. This is similar to the UK’s Construction Design Management regulation and must be embraced by all stakeholders.

5. The energy sector is inherently high‑risk. What leadership behaviours or cultural practices have you found most effective in embedding a resilient, safety-first mindset across all levels?

Beyond Prevention through Design as I mentioned above, we should continue to use well established risk assessment, hazard abatement and continuous learning processes that will always positions organizations to continually improve.

6. Finally, what key takeaway or challenge would you like delegates to remember and act on after your session during the summit?

My challenge is this: identify actions for you to implement throughout the summit. But then, review the list and prioritize the actions. Take only 3-5 actions and if you are really ambitious, 2-3 actions, for implementation over the next 30-90 days. This focused effort will allow you to maximize your success.