Get to know the faces that are working hard behind the scenes to unleash your data’s potential.

 

This month, we are pleased to introduce Martyn Quantrill, Global Account Director at Katalyst Data Management. 

With a career spanning geology, subsurface data management, global operations and digital transformation, Martyn works with some of the energy industry’s largest operators to align Katalyst’s capabilities with their business priorities. He brings a valuable combination of technical knowledge, commercial experience and a passion for connecting people, processes and technology.  

What is your educational and work experience background? 

My educational background is in geology. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London, before undertaking postgraduate studies in Groundwater Pollution Control at Middlesex University, with a strong focus on hydrogeology. At the time, I was particularly interested in environmental work and how geoscience could contribute to protecting natural resources and creating positive environmental change. 

I began my career as a geologist, gaining mining experience in Western Australia before moving into petroleum geology and subsurface interpretation in the UK. From there, I progressed into petrotechnical software support, subsurface data management, global operations and leadership roles with organisations including SAIC, Woodside Energy, Chevron and bp. 

Today, as Global Account Director at Katalyst, I help customers connect their business priorities with data management, digital transformation, analytics and AI-readiness initiatives. 

What are some of the highlights of your career? 

The greatest highlights have been the people I have worked with. I have learned from some exceptionally talented colleagues and, more recently, have had the opportunity to coach and mentor others. Helping people build confidence and progress in their careers has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work. 

A particularly formative period was my time in Perth, where I supported the Chevron Gorgon and Wheatstone developments as part of the Reservoir Management Services team. It showed me how high-quality data services can deliver real business value. 

Later, at bp, I led data management teams across both business and technology environments, culminating in responsibility for a global team. I was particularly proud to help design and implement a global operating model supporting more than 200 team members and around 1,200 users. 

Being elected to the OSDU® Forum Management Committee was another important milestone, giving me the opportunity to contribute to industry collaboration and open data standards. 

The opportunity to travel, experience different cultures and work with people around the world has been a major highlight. 

Did you grow up wanting to be a data manager? 

No. I originally wanted to work as a geologist, spend as much time outdoors as possible and better understand the Earth. 

Data was central to my early technical roles, however, and I became increasingly interested in how it was acquired, managed, quality controlled and made available. A turning point came at Woodside in 2005, when I was offered the opportunity to lead either the data team or the applications team. I chose data and have remained in the field ever since. 

Although I later had opportunities to return to geoscience, I found that working in data offered enormous variety across different domains, technologies and leadership responsibilities.  

What has kept me in the field is the variety of the work, the opportunity to continue learning and the value that good data management can bring to people and organisations. 

How did you get here? 

I had a long and rewarding career at bp and invested a great deal of energy in the organisation, the teams I led and its data transformation agenda. I am proud of what we achieved and particularly grateful for the people I had the opportunity to work with, develop and support. 

Having previously worked with Katalyst as a supplier, I was already familiar with the organisation and its approach, while they had insight into the experience and perspective I could bring from the operator side of the industry. The opportunity to join a growing business, strengthen customer relationships and contribute to its next phase of development was particularly appealing.

The move brought my career full circle. I began in service companies and had always thought I might eventually return to that environment. 

What are some big lessons learned and/or challenges faced along the way?  

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that data transformation is rarely just a technology challenge. Lasting change depends equally on people, processes, governance, accountability and culture. 

I have also learned the importance of listening before proposing a solution. You need to understand the business problem, the people affected and the outcome they are trying to achieve. 

Finally, transformation must be connected to clear business value, whether that means improving safety, reducing cost, managing risk or enabling faster and better decisions. Technology is most effective when people understand it, trust it and are willing to work differently. 

What advice do you have for people beginning their career? 

Stay curious and remain open to opportunities that may take you in an unexpected direction. My own career began in geology but developed into data management, digital transformation, operations and strategic account leadership. 

Be open to constructive feedback, develop an understanding of the wider business and build relationships with people who have different experiences and perspectives. Technical knowledge matters, but communication, collaboration and adaptability are equally important. 

Do not be afraid to take on difficult challenges. Some of the best development opportunities arise when the answer is not immediately clear. 

Are there any organizations or volunteer groups that you are passionate about? 

I have always valued opportunities to contribute to the wider industry. Earlier in my career, I supported the Energistics WITSML Special Interest Group. More recently, I served as an elected officer on the OSDU® Forum Management Committee, helping support collaboration, open standards and the development of a more connected energy data ecosystem. 

One of my most personally rewarding volunteering experiences was coaching my children’s school football team for around ten years. Seeing the children develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game was wonderful. It reinforced how much difference encouragement, patience and a sense of belonging can make. 

What are some of your favorite things to do and/or places to visit outside of work? 

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, preferably outdoors. I enjoy cycling, attending sporting events and discussing topical issues over a pint. I also appreciate quieter time with a book or podcast and have a growing interest in gardening. 

Cars and motorsport are another passion, and I have attended the Le Mans 24 Hours several times. I enjoy travelling, skiing and exploring different landscapes. Mountains are my happy place, and there are still plenty of ranges I would like to visit.