In the world of global energy transformation, few leaders stand as tall and as quietly influential as Ashok Belani. His story is one of relentless curiosity, bold leadership, and an unwavering commitment to using technology as a bridge to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.
Ashok Belani: An Exceptional Academic Foundation That Sparked a Global Legacy
Belani’s remarkable journey began at the prestigious IIT Delhi, where he earned his Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering in 1980. His hunger for deeper exploration led him to Stanford University, where he completed his Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering—laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to redefining the future of energy.
These academic experiences did more than shape his knowledge; they shaped his worldview. They sparked the mindset of a builder, a challenger of norms, and a technologist determined to bring science to life through real-world solutions.
A Ground-Up Rise: From Field Engineer to Global Leadership
Belani entered Schlumberger (SLB) in 1980 straight from campus placements—beginning not in boardrooms, but in the demanding world of field engineering. For a decade, he worked across operations, sales, and management roles—often in remote environments that tested both skill and spirit.
This hands-on beginning became the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy:
To innovate for the world, one must first understand the world.
His deep exposure to field realities later helped him lead global teams with empathy, precision, and authenticity—qualities admired across continents.
Ashok Belani: Driving Technology, Innovation, and Global Transformation
Belani’s influence at SLB grew steadily. Over the years, he led some of the organization’s most impactful technological advancements.
As Executive Vice President of Technology (2011–2019):
He oversaw global Research, Engineering, Manufacturing, Software Technology, and IT—guiding 16,000 employees across 65 centers worldwide.
Under his leadership, SLB became a powerhouse of digital and engineering innovation.
He also guided the company’s Technology Lifecycle Management and led SLB’s corporate venture department for over 14 years, nurturing breakthrough innovations that reshaped industrial capabilities.
Championing the Energy Transition with Schlumberger New Energy
From 2019 to 2022, Belani embraced a new frontier: SLB’s New Energy division.
He spearheaded its creation, vision, and execution—developing a differentiated portfolio of clean-energy initiatives that positioned SLB as a global leader in the energy transition.
This included early-stage ventures, new-energy market exploration, and pioneering technologies that unlock sustainable opportunities.
His leadership marked a bold shift—from traditional energy practices to next-generation ecosystems powered by innovation.
A Serial Innovator: CIO, CTO, and Architect of SLB’s Digital Revolution
Belani’s earlier roles as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer further cemented his legacy. He led the development of the DELPHI Digital Technology Framework, which became one of the industry’s most advanced digital platforms.
His laser-focused belief in data, automation, and digital intelligence reshaped SLB’s technological identity—and inspired an entire industry to reimagine what was possible.
A Trailblazing Chapter in Silicon Valley
Between 2000 and 2005, Belani took on the leadership of SLB’s semiconductor equipment business in California. What he achieved became the stuff of business case studies:
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Led a leveraged buyout to private equity
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Took the company public on Nasdaq as CEO
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Completed a successful sale to Credence Systems
This chapter showcased his rare capability to lead deep-tech businesses across diverse industries with equal mastery.
Board Leadership Across the Global Innovation Ecosystem
Today, Ashok Belani continues to shape the future of clean energy and technology through multiple global board roles. He serves on:
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Gentari, the new-energy subsidiary of Petronas
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Enervenue, a breakthrough stationary storage technology company
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Gradiant Systems, a next-gen water solutions company
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A*STAR, Singapore’s principal science and technology agency