Williams and Executive Chairman of the Board Alan Armstrong were celebrated at the Platts Global Energy Awards, often described as the “Oscars” of the energy industry.
Armstrong, who was CEO for 14 years, was honored for Lifetime Achievement and Williams was awarded Excellence in Energy – Midstream.
“Energy is everything, everywhere, and the lifeblood of the world’s economy and we’re pleased to be recognizing those individuals and companies that are embracing change, utilizing artificial intelligence, innovating and helping steer a course for a sustainable future,” said Dave Ernsberger, President of S&P Global Energy.
Lifetime Achievement
A 40-year veteran of Williams, Alan Armstrong impressed judges not only as a transformative force in the company, but in the wider energy sector.
Rising from design engineer to CEO, Armstrong streamlined Williams operations into a top-tier natural gas infrastructure operator with 12 consecutive years of earnings growth. Describing Armstrong as a leader with “deep personal integrity,” judges also pointed to his focus on process safety, global advocacy for pragmatic energy solutions and his strategic positioning of Williams for a cleaner energy future.
Beginning as a design engineer in 1986, Armstrong rose to the role of CEO in 2011 with a reputation for problem-solving aptitude and operational excellence.
In accepting the award, Armstrong said he’s been fortunate to work in an industry he loves for a company committed to always doing the right thing.
“It is such opportunity that we have as leaders in the energy industry to make a huge difference in the world, to solve the biggest problems in terms of providing affordable, reliable and clean energy,” he said.
Excellence in Energy Midstream
The judges noted that Williams centered its midstream success through a strategic, natural gas-centric approach that balances the operational excellence necessary to meet growing demand with bold, proactive efforts to achieve decarbonization.
They praised Williams for:
- Robust infrastructure that is the backbone of its financial strength
- For being reliable, consistent and solid, while remarkably innovative, noting its Power Innovation venture, which provides energy solutions for data centers
- Proving that a midstream giant can be a dependable energy workhorse while leading the way to a cleaner energy future, noting its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% by 2028, having already achieved a 24% reduction
These honors not only celebrate past achievements but also signal Williams ongoing commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions for generations to come.