Wallan Pessanha
Anchorage
Summary
Results-driven Petroleum Engineer experienced in Drilling and Completion Fluids across deepwater, ultra-deepwater, and onshore operations. Delivered innovative fluid solutions and effectively aligned technical execution with strategic objectives in complex environments. Led multidisciplinary teams, optimized resource allocation, and navigated organizational change to support long-term growth and innovation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
OFSE Area Director - Alaska
Baker Hughes
10.2024 - Current
- Oversaw profit and loss management for the organization.
- Acted as the critical point of contact for the company in Alaska; facilitated ownership of initiatives and compliance with regional laws and BH integrity policies.
- Led market growth by developing long-term strategies, alliances, partnerships, and customer programs.
- Coach and develop Alaska leadership; build an organization that attracts and retains top talent.
- Developed clear business vision and strategy in collaboration with business management.
- Deliver very complex specialized professional work by single-layered or specialized professional work delivered by multi-layered regional or global teams.
- Partner with product teams to identify trends, shape public policy priorities, and engage external stakeholders.
Drilling & Completion Fluids Product Line Director — North America Region
Baker Hughes
10.2021 - 10.2024
- For about 3 years I have been serving Baker Hughes as the Product Line Director for DCF in North America Offshore Region.
- Revitalized DCF as a profitable product line for WC Segment by overseeing all aspects of business in the region.
- Oversaw a P&L of over $120M.
- Directed resources and logistics for service delivery and maintenance activities, enhancing operational efficiency at customer sites.
- Oversaw preventive and remedial maintenance services, facilities, and field services engineering to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Lead cross-functional discussions on future of the business; develop annual plans for the larger unit.
Global Drilling & Completion Fluids Product Line Manager
Baker Hughes
06.2018 - 10.2021
- Developed and implemented procedures and directives within DCF, enhancing quality standards and operational efficiency.
- Managed proprietary drilling operations and critical wells across Americas and global operations to ensure optimal performance.
- Represent the product line internally and externally with customers, suppliers, Operations, and Sales.
- Exercised decision-making authority on strategy, policy, and procedures, ensuring compliance with BHGE standards and regulatory requirements.
Latin America Reginal Technical Manager
Baker Hughes
07.2014 - 06.2018
- Provide drilling fluids support and assistance for special projects and critical wells in Latin America Region by:
- Delivered expert application knowledge to enhance drilling fluid performance and support project goals.
- Ensured technical proposals met project goals by providing effective solutions aligned with tender requirements.
- Ensures that all well plans are fit for purpose and provide the most cost-effective solutions to meet the drilling target considerations.
- Setting specific procedures and directives to be carried out in our drilling fluids operations.
- Evaluation of our Drilling and Completion Fluids Quality Standards Activities.
- Developing both technical and sales strategies together with the DCF PLM of each area of Latin America Region.
- Planning support and Supervisory at the execution of critical wells.
- Introduction of new techniques, systems, technologies and services based on added value for the customer.
- Advises sales personnel, customers, and potential customers on the technical issues that affect the installation or sales of products and/or services of the organization.
- Delivered technical presentations to customers.
- Software’s Analysis – Hydraulics and Geomechanics – Bridging and Fracture Characterization.
- Conducted market share analysis to inform strategic decisions in drilling fluids operations.
Project Fluids Operations Coordinator
Baker Hughes
01.2013 - 07.2014
- Developed comprehensive drilling and completions fluids program, detailing specifications and procedures.
- Developed project plans and execution strategies.
- Supervised drilling and completions offshore operations at the rig.
- Ensured compliance of well plans/designs/programs with Baker Hughes QHSE policies, standards, and customer/local regulations.
- Managed inventory control and logistics operations, ensuring timely delivery and accurate billing processes.
- Developed technical proposals and conducted risk assessments, contributing to project success and risk mitigation.
- Reviewed investigations of near misses, non-conformances, and accidents, implementing corrective actions to enhance safety.
- Served as primary contact for BHI within customer’s office, facilitating communication and coordination.
- Provides support for BHI and Customer integration (In House – Full Dedication) Integrated Project.
Drilling & Completion Fluids Coordinator
Baker Hughes
08.2009 - 01.2013
- Led and coordinated drilling fluids operations across major offshore assets, supervising service and technical personnel and providing daily technical direction to a team of 16 field Mud Engineers.
- Successfully supported 60+ development wells (Marlim Leste, Barracuda, Caratinga, Marlim Sul) and 25+ exploration wells across pre-salt and post-salt plays.
- Oversaw job execution, monitored progress, developed fluids programs, and ensured compliance with HS&E and contractual requirements.
- Managed logistics, inventory, and billing processes, driving continuous improvement in drilling and completion fluids performance.
- Served as primary customer interface, delivering well evaluations and lessons learned while aligning with operational expectations.
Internal Instructor
Baker Hughes
09.2009 - 09.2011
- Instructed Advantage Engineering Software for hydraulics and reporting, enhancing team capability in software utilization.
- Delivered engaging training sessions on safety protocols and operational best practices.
- Developed instructional materials to enhance learner understanding and engagement.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops to reinforce technical skills among participants.
- Acted as hydraulics management software focal point for Brazil fluids operations, providing effective software application and support.
Mud Engineer
Baker Hughes
09.2004 - 09.2009
- Experienced Mud Engineer with hands-on execution across multiples onshore and offshore wells, supporting drilling, completion, and workover operations.
- Provided real-time operational guidance, troubleshooting, and adjustments to optimize wellbore stability and drilling efficiency.
- Executed hydraulics/volume calculations, maintained fluid properties, and optimized solids control performance to enhance drilling operations.
- Facilitated critical operations such as cementing, logging, well control, Frac-Pac/Gravel Pack, production tests, and abandonment procedures to ensure operational integrity.
- Coordinated onsite inventory management, chemical ordering, testing equipment, and safety reporting to streamline operations between rig and office teams.
Education
Petroleum Engineer -
ESTÁCIO DE SÁ
Niterói, RJ, Brazil11-2011
Mud School -
Drilling And Completion Fluids Specialist For Oil Wells - Petrobras
Brazil12-2003
Chemistry Technician -
CEFET
Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil05-2002
Skills
- Drilling Fluids
- Completion Fluids
- Global Project Execution
- P&L Ownership
- Business Strategy
- Market Growth
- Operational Excellence
- Cost Optimization
- Service Delivery
- Change Leadership
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Talent Development
- Customer Engagement
Projects
- Responsible for development of the new low impact and low ECD non-aqueous fluid at a global level DELTA-TEQ Technology.
- Technical Support for Fluids and Sales - Introduction and Operational Planning of the first MICRO-CURE E2 application in deep water – July 2017 – Brazil (on going)
- Technical Support for Fluids – Fluids Offshore Operations 2016, 2015 and 2014 – Bogota, Colombia
- MICRO CURE – Reservoir remediation – Field optimization August 2014 – Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
- Ayin Field Drilling Optimization using the Dynamic Kill Drilling - DKDTM technique. Technical support for drilling optimization techniques using the Dual Gradient Technology – Jun/July 2014 – Paraiso, Mexico
- First DKD – Dynamic Kill Drilling application in a deepwater offshore Brazil, with two excellent applications with Queiroz Galvão Explorations & Production – 2013 and 2014;
- First MICRO PRIME application with Queiroz Galvão Exploration & Production with excellent results 2013 and 2014 – Deepwater Brazil
- A new Drill-in Fluids formulation to drill an unconsolidated sand reservoir, application with Queiroz Galvão Exploration & Production with excellent results 2013 and 2014;
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Timeline
OFSE Area Director - Alaska
Baker Hughes
10.2024 - Current
Drilling & Completion Fluids Product Line Director — North America Region
Baker Hughes
10.2021 - 10.2024
Global Drilling & Completion Fluids Product Line Manager
Baker Hughes
06.2018 - 10.2021
Latin America Reginal Technical Manager
Baker Hughes
07.2014 - 06.2018
Project Fluids Operations Coordinator
Baker Hughes
01.2013 - 07.2014
Internal Instructor
Baker Hughes
09.2009 - 09.2011
Drilling & Completion Fluids Coordinator
Baker Hughes
08.2009 - 01.2013
Mud Engineer
Baker Hughes
09.2004 - 09.2009
Petroleum Engineer -
ESTÁCIO DE SÁ
Mud School -
Drilling And Completion Fluids Specialist For Oil Wells - Petrobras
Chemistry Technician -
CEFET