Ricky Kostner, Regional Sales Manager for Chemical Technologies in the Permian Basin, brings a dynamic combination of financial acumen, field operations expertise, and commercial leadership to his role at SLB. With over a decade of experience, Ricky’s career journey demonstrates the value of cross-functional learning and a strong commitment to customer success.
After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from California State University, Bakersfield, Ricky began his career as a financial analyst supporting deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Latin America, and West Africa. Eager to understand operations first-hand and engage directly with customers, he transitioned into an intensive offshore training program in the Gulf of Mexico. Over two years as a service technician, Ricky gained invaluable field insight and developed a deep appreciation for operational realities and customer needs.
These experiences shaped his leadership style as he advanced through service and account management roles, ultimately leading him to West Texas and his current role overseeing chemical technologies across the Permian Basin—one of SLB’s largest and most active regions worldwide. Today, Ricky leads six districts and a team of over 300 employees, driving performance in a basin that is at the forefront of oil and gas development.
Ricky describes his leadership as a balance of customer engagement, people management, and business strategy: “Day-to-day, I’m at the intersection of our customers, our teams, and SLB. The high level of activity in the Permian means I have a direct line of sight to challenges and opportunities on the ground, enabling us to address customer needs quickly and effectively.”
A firm believer in the importance of field experience, Ricky emphasizes that true leadership credibility is forged at the wellsite. “It’s essential to understand what happens at the wellhead; those experiences inform our decisions for both our employees and our customers,” he notes.
As the Permian Basin’s landscape evolves—with a gradual slowdown in production growth and a shift toward more complex developments—differentiation through technology, integration, and digital capability is vital. Under Ricky’s leadership, SLB’s chemical technologies team integrates innovative chemistries with advanced equipment, data analytics, and AI-driven insights to maximize performance across the entire well life cycle.
“By combining chemistry, equipment, and digital tools, we deliver value far beyond any one solution,” Ricky explains. “Our focus is on helping customers unlock the full potential of every well—now and in the future.”
Learn more about SLB’s chemical technologies and integrated solutions for the Permian Basin at slb.com.
