Petrobras

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Despite Petrobras’ legacy as being state-owned, I was impressed by the company’s utilization of modern-day business standards and its readiness for potential crisis through its Safety, Environment and Health (SMS) division.  The company’s ambitious goal to respond to crisis in less than 30 minutes is admirable.  I particularly like the company’s mantra, “If you do not plan for an emergency, the emergency will plan for you.”   PEGASO, which is Petrobras’ additional investment in its operations to ensure conformity to international environmental standards, is another move that supports the firm’s ultimate commitment to being a good corporate citizen.  It is no surprise that Petrobras will receive the oil industry’s equivalent of a Nobel Prize Award – its dedication to safety and improving existing technology is quite remarkable.  – Myla Lopez

Petrobras is also a Brazilian company that seems to have a global approach.  The element of timing came into effect during our visit to this oil company.  We were told that at the same time that we were sitting in that room, the Board of Directors was sitting in a room upstairs trying to determine whether or not they would change the name of Petrobras.  One reason for this change was because the company logo includes the Brazilian flag and they have noticed that this logo was not being accepted in other areas around the world.  This is a perfect example of a Brazilian company trying to localize its brand.  Another example of timing in regard to Petrobras was they were planning on issuing a press release three days after our visit as to why the platform in Guanabara Bay sank.  We have found that on many of these trips, timing was a very important element. - Nicole Schlott