Banister Jr., Gaurdie E.
Video 1 | Video 2 |Gaurdie E. Banister Jr. is President & CEO of Aera Energy LLC. Aera is one of California’s largest producers of oil and gas, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the state’s production. The company was formed in 1997 following the merger of the California exploration and production (E&P) operations of Shell and Mobil. Today, Aera is jointly owned by Shell and ExxonMobil.
Banister joined Aera in December 2007. Previously, he was Vice President – Technical, Shell EP Asia Pacific, which is part of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group’s global E&P business. Based in Singapore, he was responsible for drilling and development activities in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Banister began his career with Shell in 1980 in New Orleans as an offshore facilities engineer. He progressed rapidly through E&P assignments in California, Texas and Louisiana, including a stint in Bakersfield from 1985 -92. He has experience in global E&P and information technology operations, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and technology.
A 1980 graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he is currently a member of its Board of Trustees, Banister holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering. In 2007 the university awarded Banister an honorary doctorate degree. In addition, in 2002 Banister received an honorary doctorate degree from Fort Valley State University in Georgia.
Banister is a Director of the California Chamber of Commerce and the Western States Petroleum Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cal State Bakersfield Foundation and United Way of Kern County.
Before moving overseas he was a member of several non profit boards including the National Science Resources Center in Washington, DC; the Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross; Career and Advisory Services in Houston; and the Fort Bend County Education Foundation.
Banister is a native of Casper, Wyo. He is married and has two children.