Interview with Hendrika Boonen
Hendrika, could you tell us about your personal journey? Where are you from, what was your academic background, and what led you to specialize in the oil and gas market?
I was born in Campos, a region with deep historical ties to Brazil’s oil industry. In fact, Campos is home to the country’s biggest oil basin. The Campos basin has completed 50 years in 2024 and is responsible for 80% of oil production in Brazil. Growing up in this environment, I naturally developed an interest in the energy sector. At 18, I pursued a degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering also in Campos. During my studies, I interned at Petrobras, which was a rite of passage for engineering students in my region. Many of my university peers were also focused on building careers in companies that served Petrobras. This early exposure shaped my professional path and sparked my passion for the oil and gas industry. Starting as an intern allowed me to gain firsthand experience and understand the complexities of the sector from the very beginning.
With over 16 years of experience in the sector, what milestones would you highlight in your career in the oil and gas industry? What inspired your focus on managing supply processes and delivering high-quality products and services?
My career has been defined by pivotal moments and projects that have broadened my expertise in supply chain management and commercial operations. One of the most significant milestones was joining Tenaris through their trainee program, which gave me an in-depth understanding of the oil and gas sector. During my time there, we secured a $1.8 billion contract with Petrobras, which was a massive achievement for the company. I spent 12 years at Tenaris, eventually becoming Commercial Manager, where I honed my skills in managing client relationships and large-scale operations, most of them focused on Petrobras.
Later, I ventured into the financial sector with Prudential, where a learned about sales paths control in a way that is not found in industry. After I had an opportunity at Facio, a financial startup, which gave me experience in small teams and smart tools, also not common at industry at all. However, one of the most challenging and rewarding projects was during my time at Subsea7, where I served as Supply Chain Manager. I led the logistics and management of 167 kilometers of pipes for Equinor’s Bacalhau project, a complex fiscal and logistics operation considering pipes coming from different places, suppliers and passing trhougt different processes until being ready to be welded at the spool base. These experiences prepared me for my current role at Tubacex, where I apply everything, I’ve learned to manage high-value projects and build strategic partnerships.
Tubacex’s relationship with key clients like Petrobras is exemplary. How has this strategic collaboration influenced your work, and what do you consider essential for maintaining strong relationships with high-profile partners?
The relationship with Petrobras has been instrumental in shaping how we operate and deliver value at Tubacex. My previous experience with Petrobras provided me with valuable insights into how they work—their processes, expectations, and corporate culture. This familiarity has allowed me to anticipate their needs and align our strategies accordingly.
Tubacex’s fully integrated production model has been a key differentiator. Unlike many suppliers who rely on prior fabricators to deliver final materials, we control every stage of production. This means we can guarantee the quality and timeliness of our products, especially in high-performance materials like super duplex stainless steel, where we are global leaders.
Moreover, our technical support is robust, with dedicated teams in Houston and Spain ensuring seamless service. We’ve also developed a service center that enhances our flexibility, allowing us to adapt quickly to client demands. This commitment to quality and service has been recognized by Petrobras, where we consistently achieve the highest possible rating—6 out of 6—in product quality, technical standards, documentation, and delivery timelines.
Our transparent communication and initiative-taking problem-solving approach have solidified our position as a trusted partner. We stand by our “By Your Side” philosophy, meaning we are involved from the initial steel production to the final stages of project execution, offering continuous support throughout the entire lifecycle.
As a prominent woman in a male industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? What advice would you give young women aspiring to build a career in this sector?
Working in a male-dominated industry like oil and gas has undoubtedly come with challenges. There were times early in my career when I needed guidance or validation simply because I was a woman in a field where leadership was overwhelmingly male. Over time, I realized that I could not let others’ perceptions define me. My self-belief had to be stronger than any external opinion.
To young women entering this industry, I would say: understand your strengths and align them with the company’s values. Your personal values and professional skills must work together to create impact. This alignment not only drives professional success but also personal fulfillment.
That said, it is no secret that women often must work harder to prove themselves in this industry. Balancing work and personal life can be especially difficult. In my case, I am a single mother of two boys, both of whom are autistic. My eldest, Tito, is 10 years old and has moderate autism—he’s only now beginning to speak. My youngest, Victor, is six and has severe autism; he doesn’t speak and requires extensive care. Managing their therapies and daily routines while maintaining a demanding career is challenging.
However, Tubacex’s understanding of my situation and their flexibility have been invaluable. True inclusion and diversity go beyond policies; they are reflected in how a company supports its employees in balancing their personal and professional lives. That support has made me feel truly valued here.
Outside of work, I am also involved in “Projeto Ao Mar,” a volunteer initiative that helps children with diverse abilities enjoy beach activities—a cause very close to my heart. This kind of community engagement reminds me that leadership is also about empathy and making a difference beyond the workplace.
Looking ahead, what aspects of the oil and gas industry’s evolution excite you the most? How do you think technological advances will impact your role and the solutions Tubacex offers?
The oil and gas industry in Brazil is evolving rapidly, and that is incredibly exciting. Production levels continue to break records, thanks to technological advancements in exploration and production. Since the 1990s, Petrobras has been pushing the limits with deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration, and that momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
These advancements bring new challenges, especially in terms of material performance. Tubacex is well-positioned to meet these demands with our high-end products. Our advanced materials are perfectly suited for the extreme conditions of offshore exploration, making us a vital player in Brazil’s energy landscape.
What excites me most is Tubacex’s commitment to innovation. Our integrated approach allows us to work closely with clients, offering tailored solutions that go beyond just supplying products. Whether it is OCTG, umbilicals, or even nuclear components, our teams have the autonomy to innovate and adapt to client needs.
Our “By Your Side” philosophy embodies this commitment. From producing the highest-quality steel to supporting clients on offshore platforms, we are involved in every step of the way. This proactive and integrated approach allows us to lead in delivering solutions for increasingly complex projects.
Final thoughts?
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. The energy sector is full of challenges, but it’s also full of possibilities. At Tubacex, I have the privilege of collaborating with a team that shares a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to excellence. Together, we are not just meeting industry standards—we are setting them.
For anyone entering this industry, my advice is to stay resilient, trust in your abilities, and never stop learning. There is so much more to discover, and I am excited to be part of that journey.
