The Gap Nobody Talks About — Between the Model and the Field

Joaquin is Digital Transformation Area Manager at Técnicas Reunidas, a global EPC firm serving the energy sector. With over 15 years of experience in oil & gas, he has led major digital initiatives across Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, combining engineering expertise with technological innovation. He specializes in project control, planning, handover, digital twin implementation, and O&M digital solutions. He played a key role in the SOCAR Refinery Project in Turkey, serving four years as Production Control Leader and Handover Project Manager.

Dr. Omar J. Lara Castro is a seasoned Project Management expert with over 25 years of experience leading engineering and construction teams in the Oil & Gas industry across 12 countries. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and relevant certifications as Chartered Engineer (IMechE) and PMP (PMI), he is known for driving the integration of AI and digitalization in large-scale Capital Projects. Dr. Lara has collaborated with top-tier companies successfully deploying advanced digital technologies to optimize project delivery, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risks. His leadership in digital transformation initiatives has enabled organizations to adopt smart solutions, including digital twins, real-time monitoring systems, and data-driven decision-making tools. Passionate about innovation, he continues to champion the role of AI and digitalization in reshaping the energy sector for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Dr. Jacques Khouri is a Switzerland-based international executive with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation and capital project management. He holds a Master’s degree in Digital Communication and Electronics and a PhD in Remote Sensing Radar Systems from CentraleSupélec, completed in collaboration with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA.

Jacques has held senior leadership roles across Europe, the GCC, and Asia, including advisory work with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Principal Consultant at PwC in KSA, and Project Leader at Dar Group delivering a digital twin for Dubai International Airport. He has also held strategic positions at Bentley Systems, Pix4D, Huawei, and Alstom.

Currently in senior leadership at O3 Solutions, he focuses on Advanced Work Packaging and Digital Twin–enabled delivery. An entrepreneur and author, he holds seven international patents in engineering and digitalization.

Mauro Scarabelli is an accomplished Operations Director with over 15 years of experience delivering complex, large-scale energy infrastructure and EPC projects worldwide. Having led major onshore pipeline and compressor station developments across Europe and the Middle East for industry leaders like Max Streicher and Eni, Mauro specializes in Project and Contract management, project controls, and rigorous safety compliance.