Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE

تحت رعاية صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

Supported by

Darryl Willis

Corporate VP, Energy & Resources Industry

Microsoft

Darryl
Darryl

As Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Energy & Resources Industry, Darryl Willis leads a cross-functional team driving digital transformation and empowering customers across the energy sector—including Mining, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities—through the power of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technology. In his role, Darryl oversees the development of innovative industry solutions and fosters executive relationships with customers, ecosystem partners, and market stakeholders to meet the energy needs of today while building the energy systems for the future. His team helps energy and resources organizations thrive by leveraging Microsoft and partner solutions that empower the workforce and improve productivity, operate more efficiently for a new energy future, achieve net zero commitments and grow sustainable AI-powered businesses. Darryl’s career is marked by his ability to meld technical and strategic acumen with leadership skills, inspiring and empowering those around him to drive the transition to clean energy, while providing secure and equal access to all. He is a staunch advocate for energy start-ups, supporting and fostering innovation to enable the next generation of leaders to deliver a secure, equitable and sustainable energy future. Prior to joining Microsoft, Darryl was Vice President of Oil, Gas and Energy at Google Cloud. His previous roles include president and CEO of bp Angola, head of Deepwater Horizon claims and spokesperson for bp, and Senior Vice President and Deputy Head of Subsurface for bp. Darryl is an active member of several councils and boards, including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), OpenMinds Coalition, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), and University of Houston Energy Transition Institute. He holds an MS in Business from Stanford University, an MS in Geology and Geophysics from the University of New Orleans, and a BS in Chemistry and Literature from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Session Overview
Wednesday, 5 November
12:40
Global strategy ICC Hall A 12:40 - 13:20
The AI impact: transforming the global energy system

AI technologies are set to redefine the future of organisations, catalysing a profound evolution in both business models and operational frameworks. Goldman Sachs Research projects global power demand from data centres will increase 50% by 2027 and potentially as much as 165% by 2030 (compared with 2023). While AI and generative AI offer unprecedented opportunities to maximise the potential of energy through optimised production, enhanced efficiency, predictive maintenance, and intelligent planning across the value chain, critical questions emerge about how we deliver the energy the world needs to meet this rapidly accelerating demand.

Technology leaders are embracing inclusivity by transforming renewable power purchase agreements and actively investing in revolutionary generation and storage systems, nuclear fusion and enhanced geothermal, while strategically positioning data centres for direct access to low-carbon power and developing AI solutions that advance a resilient, low-carbon, high-growth future.

While challenges remain, such as complex contracts and risk structures, the integration of AI into the energy sector, coupled with big tech's participation, is forging a more efficient, decarbonised global energy ecosystem driven by solution-focused collaboration. 

Attendee insights:

Connect with pioneering energy and tech visionaries as they explore the future of the AI industry, especially how the energy demand-supply fundamentals are changing, the new routes tech companies are taking to meet their increased demand for energy and how AI can revolutionise operations in energy; a win-win partnership for the future.

Tuesday, 5 November
15:30
ADNOC HSE Panel Conference Room A 15:30 - 16:30
View Session
Executive Leadership: Shaping the Future of HSE in an Ever-Changing Energy Landscape

In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, fostering a robust Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) culture has shifted from a regulatory necessity to a strategic imperative. As operators, suppliers, regulators and investors navigate through the complexities of the energy transition, they face new exposures and operational challenges that demand an adaptative and forward-thinking approach to HSE management. This Strategic Executive panel will feature a broad range of leaders across the energy and technology sectors, as well as prominent industry regulators. The panel will explore the critical role of executive leadership and cross-sector collaboration in transforming organizational cultures, while ensuring that safety, environmental stewardship and sustainability are embedded at the heart of corporate strategies.

Attendees will gain insights into the evolving responsibilities of leadership in establishing proactive assurance mechanisms, embedding risk management into growth strategies, and developing advanced technologies and AI to promote workforce well-being and safeguard long-term value.

Attendees Insights:

  • The role of leaders in influencing organizational HSE priorities and long-term resilience
  • Practical strategies for integrating HSE culture within evolving energy systems and innovative AI technologies
  • Ensuring robust governance frameworks to shape HSE policy and practice
  • Balancing shareholder expectations with HSE imperatives, especially in a low-carbon future
  • The symbiotic relationship between financial performance and a strong HSE culture

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