Women navigating career growth, drive leadership in evolving energy sector

Marwah Almatrooshi and Helen Fennell share how adaptability, ambition, and mentorship fuel their dynamic careers, inspiring women to lead and innovate in the energy sector’s complex landscape

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

IN the evolving energy industry - defined by economic cycles, energy transitions, and geopolitical shifts - there is no singular career currency.

As Marwah Almatrooshi, Process Engineer, Petrofac, and Helen Fennell, Operations Director, Petrofac, exemplify, agility, adaptability and ambition are essential to the mix.

One, forging a promising path in the UAE; and the other leading complex delivery in the UK.

Each growing their careers by creating change, delivering projects, inspiring teams, and embracing opportunity to push the energy industry forward.

In an exclusive interview with OGN energy magazine, Marwah Almatrooshi and Helen Fennell share how adaptability, ambition, and a passion for solving complex challenges have shaped their dynamic careers, inspiring the next generation of women to drive innovation and leadership in the ever-evolving energy industry.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

MARWAH ALMATROOSHI

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into engineering?

Almatrooshi: I've always loved understanding how things work and solving real-world problems, so engineering felt like a natural fit for me.

I studied chemical engineering, and while design interested me, I quickly realised I enjoyed collaborating across disciplines.

My current role has given me the opportunity to grow technically and develop my leadership skills.

Currently, my role involves coordinating our engineering management discussions, connecting teams, sharing ideas, and supporting young engineers.

The culture at Petrofac, which values young talent and teamwork, is something that inspires me every day.

What challenges did you face as a young woman entering the energy sector?