Sharing Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Drilling Optimization
ABOUT
Andrew N. Hunter is an accomplished Petroleum Engineer, holding a degree from LSU. With 18 years of experience in both U.S. Horizontal Drilling and Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Exploration, Andrew has established himself as a trusted expert in the drilling industry.
Andrew embarked on his career in Carthage, Texas, gaining invaluable field experience before transitioning to offshore drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. He spent the subsequent five years as an office-based drilling engineer, overseeing the planning and execution of 2 to 3 horizontal rig teams across diverse fields, such as the Haynesville, Eagle Ford, Barnett, and Wolfcamp plays.
In January 2015, Andrew embarked on a transformative journey with Laredo Petroleum, assuming the role of lead rig supervisor in the Midland Basin. This experience further honed his skills and propelled his professional growth. In September 2016, Andrew joined Guidon Energy, a Dallas-based company, as Drilling Manager/Partner. During his tenure at Guidon Energy, his teams drilled 105 horizontal wells in the Midland Basin. The exceptional performance of Guidon Energy caught the attention of Diamondback Energy, which acquired Guidon's assets in February 2021 for 10.68 MM shares, valued at approximately $45 per share, and $375 million in cash.
In November 2021, Andrew joined Silver Hill Energy Partners, an institutional-investor backed company, as their Drilling Manager. This strategic move further solidified his position as a trusted and sought-after professional in the industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew is actively involved in making a positive impact on the community. He serves as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and is a supporter of the Benjamin P. Boussert Lectureship at LSU. Andrew's commitment to education and the advancement of engineering is evident through his role as President of the Dallas Ft. Worth Chapter of AADE. Under his leadership, the chapter has awarded 347 scholarships, totaling $665,000, to engineering students at 13 universities across the country since 2008. The DFW AADE also hosts 3 innovative expert panels each year: The Operator Forum featuring industry leading drilling engineers, The Contractor Forum featuring the leading rig contractors, and The Rig Supervisor Forum, featuring leading rig supervisors.
Andrew's approach to his work is defined by his unwavering belief in data-driven decisions, optimization, and sharing lessons learned. He is a staunch advocate for establishing best practices and upholding intellectual integrity by openly admitting mistakes and maintaining an open mind. Inspired by renowned coaches John Wooden, Skip Bertman, Jocko Willink, and conservationist Steve Rinella, Andrew incorporates their leadership philosophies into his professional endeavors.
Throughout his career, Andrew has been fortunate to have the guidance and support of several game-changing mentors who have significantly influenced his growth. Notably, Scott Lowry, Jay Still, Randy Thomas, Harold Hawkins, Brian Stewart, Martin Bethke, Danny Thomas, Gary Price, Aaron Felton, Joe Hardin, James Franks, and David A. Smith have played instrumental roles in shaping his success in the oil and gas business.
Andrew's dedication, experience, and commitment to excellence make him a trusted expert in the drilling business. His contributions and leadership continue to drive advancements in the industry while inspiring the next generation of professionals.