SPEECH: Remarks by Amin Nasser, Aramco president and CEO, at the 2023 Aramco Retiree Reunion on March 2, 2023

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. 

 

On behalf of Aramco, it is my pleasure to formally say to all our retirees – welcome back home!  

 

And welcome to the largest retiree reunion in our history.

 

For the first time ever, we are not only hosting our expat retirees from around the world, but also our many retirees who call the Kingdom home.

 

Just as you all proudly worked side-by-side and together over the past few decades, we gather to celebrate you all – side-by-side and together – today as well. 

 

Making this event even more special, is that Aramco is also celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. 

 

As a company founded on trusted international partnerships, our worldwide roots have continued to spread, with today’s attendees representing more than 20 different nationalities. 

 

From North America to the Middle East to Australia, and everywhere in between, this gathering shows just how much of a global enterprise Aramco always was, is, and always will be. 

 

Also notable are the different generations and eras represented today. 

 

We have retirees in their 90s and retirees in their 50s – spanning decades of change, knowledge and history. 

 

A remarkable part of that history came in 2019, when Aramco facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais came under attack. 

 

Despite uncertainty and risk, we had retirees from around the world and within the Kingdom proactively coming forward to us within minutes of the news breaking offering to help with repairs, aid, logistics and more. 

 

Even in our darkest hours, you were there. 

 

Ready to respond as an Aramcon, once again. It shows just how special a family this truly is. 

There is nothing in the business world like the warmth, pride and sense of belonging between Aramco and our retirees. 

 

Thank you all.

 

For those returning for the first time in years or decades, you will see that the Kingdom and our communities look very different from the last time you were here. 

 

Guided by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of inspiring change. 

 

Business is growing, and innovation, entertainment and tourism continue to expand and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

 

You will witness this first-hand when you travel around the Kingdom over the next few days.

 

And as Saudi Arabia moves forward rapidly, the same also goes for Aramco, as we continue to be among the catalysts for the country’s transformation.

 

The foundation that was built by your trusted hands has now supported Aramco to become one of the world’s largest and most profitable companies. 

 

From early pioneering roots of exploration and production, to incredible growth and expansion across the globe, to today, as we continue to research in areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, liquids to chemicals, and more. 

 

And I know many of you may have received blank stares when you told family and friends back home that you were going to work for Aramco. But today, the Aramco brand is now one of the most recognized in the world. 

 

However, with that added attention, also comes greater scrutiny. 

 

Twenty or 30 years ago, there was little to no serious discussion on the energy transition and the oil and gas industry being phased out. 

 

Today, we grapple with the energy trilemma, as Aramco contributes to the efforts of balancing global energy security, energy affordability and the energy transition. 

 

We look to continue to provide the reliable energy the world requires, as we aim to increase our maximum sustainable capacity to 13 million barrels per day while also striving towards our ambitions to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, across our wholly owned operated assets by 2050.

 

Balancing all of this is not easy, but as we have done in the past, Aramco continues to lead the way with a thoughtful and pragmatic strategy. 

 

And at the heart of our plans are people. 

 

That includes our retirees, along with your kids and grandkids.

 

And that’s where we look to you – our biggest ambassadors – for your support.

 

I hope you use this reunion as an opportunity to learn more about our ambitious future plans… and I encourage you all to tell the Aramco story to friends, family, and future generations.

 

Because just as you led the way years and decades ago, the current generation of Aramco employees are looking up to you.

 

Following in your footsteps, setting us all up for success today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.  

 

Friends and colleagues, I hope you are as proud to be an Aramcon as I am.

 

It is a badge of honor you carry well beyond hanging up your hard hat and boots, or sending the last email, having your Ma’a Salama celebration, or settling into retirement with your grandchildren. 

 

Today’s event and the retiree reunion celebrations over the next two weeks are our small way of saying “thank you”.

 

Thank you for your dedication, your commitment, and your mentorship, all of which has helped Aramco become the global leader it is today. 

 

Additionally, I must extend my sincere thanks to the organizing committee of this reunion.  

 

Once again, Ali Baluchi, you have done it! 

 

You and your team have put together an outstanding gathering. 

 

One that I am sure will rekindle precious memories of the past, while at the same time, creating many new memories as well.

 

Thank you for all of your efforts in making this reunion as special as possible for everyone involved. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I truly hope you and your families enjoy the rest of the festivities. 

 

Thank you all for traveling to Dhahran, whether you flew thousands of miles or took a short car ride.

 

Each of you are valued contributors to Aramco’s story. And I personally cannot wait to see what the next chapter looks like.

 

Thank you, and once again, welcome back home!