Executive Q&A with Kevin Somers, President, Inspectorate

Editor’s Note: True Asset Integrity Management (AIM) starts early in the process. The quality of petroleum products can have a significant impact on the refining process and therefore, operators should know exactly what they are receiving. We present this interview to illustrate the importance of quality control in the petroleum life cycle.

For more information about petroleum quality as it is directly related to equipment reliability, please refer to the 2013 March/April issue of Inspectioneering Journal.

How long have you been with Bureau Veritas’ Inspectorate Division and can you briefly describe the various positions you have held?

KS: I joined Inspectorate in 1988 as Vice President of Gulf Coast Operations in the Oil and Petrochemical Division. I held that role until 1995 when I was appointed Vice President of U.S. operations. In 2006, I was appointed President of the Americas Region with responsibility for all product lines in all countries on the American continent. Inspectorate was acquired by Bureau Veritas in 2010 and became the core of the organization’s Commodities Division.

What are your primary responsibilities as President of Inspectorate in North America?

KS: As President, I am responsible for operations, financial oversight, and the growth strategy for Commodities in North America. This includes Oil and Petrochemicals, Agricultural products, Industrial Minerals, Coal, and Coke.