Mark Hollis, CEng MIChemE, MBA, MSc, BSc
Director, Global Energy Services
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
You have worked across oil and gas, CCUS, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and long-duration energy storage. What skills carry across all of these sectors?
Across all these sectors, the core transferable skills are strong chemical engineering fundamentals, enabling assessment of processing requirements, utilities and technology options to meet product specifications from a given feedstock. Equally important is project and engineering management: understanding how to align technical solutions with client objectives and site constraints, and coordinating the right engineering disciplines at the right time for efficient project delivery.
When a project team faces multiple feasible technical options, how do you help stakeholders make a decision that balances cost, risk, operability and sustainability?
I start by facilitating a stakeholder workshop to identify all the project issues and to define project value drivers such as cost, schedule, operability, emissions, etc. We then distinguish fixed assumptions from the key decisions that need to be made and develop a shortlist of concepts. These concepts are evaluated through techno-economic trade-off studies, using the agreed value drivers as selection criteria to provide a transparent, balanced and evidence-based recommendation.
How has working on the operator side influenced the way you advise clients as a consultant?
Having worked on the operator side, I understand the business drivers behind project decisions, whether minimising capital cost, schedule, operational disruption or risk. This helps me tailor advice to deliver real value rather than simply maximise project scope for short-term revenue gain. By focusing on solutions that best meet the client’s objectives, I help create successful outcomes for both the client and consultant, often leading to stronger long-term relationships.
Background
Mark is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and Executive MBA with over 32 years’ experience, including 11 years on the operator side and 15 years in senior consulting roles, leading complex projects in major global energy developments across oil and gas and the energy transition (CCUS, hydrogen, SAF, LDES).
Trusted advisor to operators, NOCs, governments and investors, delivering decision-quality technical and commercial outcomes across feasibility, concept select, Pre-FEED and FEED stages. Seller-doer with a proven track record in new work acquisition, capital allocation support, due diligence, and investment readiness. Mark is recognised for building long-term client trust and translating complex technical, operational and sustainability challenges into clear, decision-ready strategic insights.
Combines deep facilities and field development expertise with strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and multi-disciplinary team delivery across high-value, technically challenging projects worldwide.
Education and Certifications
- Executive MBA: Warwick Business School, University of Warwick (2022)
- Chemical Engineering, BEng (part for IChemE accreditation): University of Strathclyde (1997)
- Environmental Technology, MSc: Napier University (1993)
- Physics, BSc (Hons): University of Edinburgh (1992)
- Chartered Engineer: Institution of Chemical Engineers, IChemE (2010)
Publications
- “The role and influence of stakeholders on Shell’s journey to net-zero and its management of transition risks”, M. Hollis, MBA Dissertation, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, 2022.
- “Why Oil & Gas Companies Should Pivot to Hydrogen”, M. Hollis, io consulting, 2020.
- “Resource Use Minimisation through Energy Management at Lucas Aerospace Ltd – A Feasibility Study”, M. Hollis & T. Muneer, School of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Software Engineering, Napier University, Edinburgh, 1994.