Innovating the Future: Gautam Swami's Global Journey in Low-carbon Energy and Finance

In the ever-evolving landscape of energy technologies, professionals with track records spanning both fossil and renewable energy systems stand out prominently. Decarbonfuse caught up with one such emerging leader, Gautam Swami of NOV, at the Carbon Management Workshop in Rice University in February. Based in Houston, Texas, Mr. Swami leverages his stints in Project Management, Product Development, Low Carbon Technologies, and Research & Development, to drive innovation in the energy sector.

My career journey is marked by diverse roles that have enriched my worldview. Living and working in major hubs of the global energy industry like Dubai, Singapore, New Orleans, and Houston have given me a kaleidoscopic view of the world’s energy resources and constraints

Mr. Swami is currently Manager of Corporate Research & Development (R&D) in NOV, the world’s leading energy technology company. The Corporate R&D team is a critical part of the Chief Technology Officer’s team and he drives the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with NOV's business goals. This role builds on Mr. Swami’s expertise in managing complex research projects and leading multidisciplinary teams and contributes to driving NOV's growth in multiple energy verticals. His ability to identify new research areas and opportunities for growth has ensured that NOV retains its leadership position in the industry.

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Leading Industrial Decarbonization at NOV

Prior to this role, Mr. Swami served as Manager of Low Carbon Technologies. During that period, he evaluated net-zero pathways for electricity, transportation, and industrial decarbonization. He supported the market research and financial modeling for Offshore Wind, Green Hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Geothermal, and Solar Energy markets. Mr. Swami’s efforts in seeking partnerships for industrial decarbonization projects underscore his commitment to cross-sectoral collaborations.

As New Product Development Services Manager for the Americas, Mr. Swami and his team manage a Technology Development Program with an annual budget exceeding $25 million. His role involved authoring business cases, delivering monthly Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) reports, and supporting engineering teams in Program Management. Mr. Swami’s experience in large oil & gas projects was crucial in advancing NOV's product development goals. This experience also helped him to judge and mentor applicants in NOV’s Supernova Accelerator Program from 2024 onwards. This program conducted paid pilot partnerships with startups accelerating the digital transformation in upstream oil and gas.

>> Read more about NOV's Supernova Accelerator

Learning and Engaging the Industry

His commitment to continuous learning has been critical to his journey. Mr. Swami's holds MBA and Master of Management in Energy Degrees from Tulane University, in addition to a Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering Degree from the University of Pune, India. He has continued his learning through Executive Education and Certificate Programs from prestigious institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology for Artificial Intelligence and the University of Texas at Austin’s Executive Program for Energy Leaders.

A prolific speaker and author, Mr. Swami has contributed to various publications and panel discussions on various topics in traditional and new energy systems. His works have been published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, International Association of Energy Economics, Hart Energy, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, Open Journal of Energy Efficiency, and Smart Grid and Renewable Energy, among others. He also appeared on three Indo-American News podcasts to share insights on the impact of the Ukraine conflict on oil & gas markets and renewable energy technologies like battery electric storage systems (BESS).

Mr. Swami’s association with leading universities like Texas A&M University includes participating in a panel discussion on “Energy Transition” in 2022, serving on the Managing Committee of the University’s first-ever “Carbon Capture and Storage Symposium” in 2024 and moderating a panel on “Turning Emissions into Opportunities” at the symposium.

Mr. Swami’s is actively involved with the Society of Petroleum Engineers as a Lifetime Member, Judge, and Section Treasurer. His volunteer service as a Merit Reviewer for the U.S. Department of Energy, Judge for the Freeman School of Business’ Annual Business Model Competition, and Finance Chair for NOV’s “Derricks and Diamonds” charity Softball Tournament highlights his dedication to giving back to the community.

Adapting to Change in Energy

Gautam Swami’s evolution is a shining example of how combining finance, technology, and leadership can drive innovation in complex energy systems. As the industry continues to evolve, leaders like Mr. Swami will play a crucial role in ensuring the United States’ continued energy dominance, and a prosperous future for the industry’s shareholders, customers and employees.