Nicholas K. Gandt

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Nick has over 22 years of refining industry experience. His solid technical background, combined with extensive experience in plant operations, economics, and acquisitions, brings a broad, common sense approach to his consulting engagements. His hands-on experience spans from managing all technical services, including major capital projects, to negotiating contracts and supporting asset transactions.

Nick began his career as a process and design engineer. While at Chevron, he held a variety of positions including process control engineer, economics and planning analyst, operations assistant, and technical supervisor. Nick has extensive experience in revamps, new unit design and construction, plant start-ups, and turnaround support. He also has significant background in automation projects and initiatives and has participated in numerous best practices and steering teams.

While at the El Paso refinery, Nick gained mergers and acquisitions experience as a member of the sales team for Chevron. He worked closely with the buyers as the due diligence officer and was also responsible for developing a smooth transition plan.

While at Western Refining, Nick was the Director of Technical and Business Development and also filled in as interim Plant Manager. He was part of the management team that increased production by over 40 percent while exceeding industry safety goals, meeting regulatory compliance requirements, and achieving world-class reliability.

Nick was responsible for directing technical functions including process engineering, control engineering, designs engineering, drafting, fixed equipment inspections, major capital projects, economics and planning, laboratory, and information services for the entire corporation.

Nick was also responsible for business development which included developing a strategic plan that increased production while meeting new fuels regulations as well as environmental requirements.

Nick joined Stancil & Co. in May 2008.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

• Mergers & Acquisitions - Set up and updated data room for the El Paso refinery regarding the Chevron sale to Western Refining. Nick was the point of contact for information requests from buyer. He coordinated the transition plan with buyer including interim personnel plan, contracts review, and information services.
• Economics & Planning - Developed operations plans for the optimization of the refinery consistent with customer needs. Facilitated monthly meetings with area business unit members to gain consensus. Participated in cross functional area team to develop an improved supply chain optimization process. Experienced in raw material optimization as well as meeting new fuels formulations. Extensive practical experience in developing and using linear program (LP) models. Developed cash flow models using decision and risk management techniques.
• Strategic Business Development
  • Represented the refinery on comprehensive area business unit review to determine future value of options.
  • Provided supporting information for negotiating improved insurance and financial credit terms.
  • Facilitated the development of a capital growth strategy that took the refinery from 85,000 B/D to 125,000 B/D crude capacity (over $350 million in improvements in four years) while meeting regulatory requirements. Very experienced in technology evaluation and selection.