OiLSERV Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

OiLSERV has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, financial management, and technical quality assurance.

Focused on delivering world-class oilfield solutions across the Middle East and North Africa, OiLSERV maintains a relentless commitment to ethics, safety, and operational excellence in every client engagement.

Leadership Roles at OiLSERV

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sarah Akbar
  • PA To the Group CEO & Chairman - Mariette Skinner
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Okonkwo
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Joe Melhem
  • Chief Operating Officer - Akram Abughalia
  • To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer - Chinedu Akaeme
  • President - Samer Salous
  • President - Patrick Van De Slijke
  • Sarah Akbar - Chief Executive Officer

    Sarah Akbar, the Chief Executive Officer at OiLSERV, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By prioritizing ethical standards and high-quality service delivery, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge within the Middle East and North Africa energy sectors. Sarah Akbar oversees the alignment of integrated drilling and production solutions with the evolving needs of regional clients. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive sustainable growth and operational efficiency. Through a focus on continuous improvement, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence that permeates every department. By managing high-level stakeholder relationships, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's market position as a premier independent oilfield services provider. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all business dealings reflect the core values of integrity and safety.
    Sarah Akbar

    Mariette Skinner - PA To the Group CEO & Chairman

    Mariette Skinner, the PA To the Group CEO & Chairman at OiLSERV, manages the complex administrative workflows and strategic communications for the executive office. By coordinating high-level meetings and facilitating information flow between the leadership team and external partners, the PA To the Group CEO & Chairman ensures seamless operational continuity. Mariette Skinner organizes critical documentation and schedules that support the firm's regional expansion efforts across the Middle East and North Africa. This role requires precise attention to detail when handling sensitive corporate data and board-level correspondence. By optimizing the daily agenda of the executive leadership, the PA To the Group CEO & Chairman enables the firm to maintain focus on its core mission of providing cost-effective oilfield services. Through proactive management of executive priorities, the PA To the Group CEO & Chairman directly supports the efficiency of the entire organizational structure.

    Christopher Okonkwo - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Okonkwo, the Group Chief Financial Officer at OiLSERV, directs the financial planning, capital allocation, and fiscal reporting for the entire organization. By managing the budgetary requirements for integrated drilling and production services, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing regional growth. Christopher Okonkwo oversees the financial health of operations across the Middle East and North Africa, providing the necessary oversight to support cost-effective service delivery. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities and mitigate financial risks. By implementing robust financial controls, the Group Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's commitment to ethical business practices and long-term sustainability. Through strategic financial analysis, the Group Chief Financial Officer enables the company to remain competitive in the energy services sector. Ultimately, the Group Chief Financial Officer secures the fiscal foundation required for continuous improvement.

    Joe Melhem - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Joe Melhem, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at OiLSERV, drives the strategic financial initiatives and revenue management frameworks for the company. By focusing on the profitability of specific service lines such as cementing and stimulation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resource allocation aligns with market demand. Joe Melhem oversees the financial performance of regional business units, providing the analytical insights necessary to optimize service delivery across the Middle East and North Africa. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and ensuring transparency in all financial reporting. By developing cost-reduction strategies, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's goal of providing market-leading, cost-effective solutions. Through the integration of financial data into operational decision-making, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer enhances the company's overall market impact. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial discipline essential for sustained growth.

    Akram Abughalia - Chief Operating Officer

    Akram Abughalia, the Chief Operating Officer at OiLSERV, directs the execution of integrated drilling, cementing, and stimulation services across all regional operations. By overseeing the deployment of technical resources and field personnel, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every project meets the company's rigorous health, safety, and environmental standards. Akram Abughalia manages the logistical complexities inherent in providing wireline logging and production solutions throughout the Middle East and North Africa. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of operational performance metrics to drive cost-effectiveness and service quality. By aligning field activities with corporate objectives, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the delivery of complex oilfield services. Through the implementation of standardized operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the firm's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability required to exceed client expectations in a demanding energy market.

    Chinedu Akaeme - To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer

    Chinedu Akaeme, the To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer at OiLSERV, architects the quality control frameworks that govern all technical service offerings. By auditing field processes and verifying compliance with international safety standards, the To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer ensures that every wireline logging and stimulation project adheres to the highest benchmarks. Chinedu Akaeme supports the operational leadership by analyzing technical data to identify areas for process improvement and efficiency gains. This role involves bridging the gap between high-level operational strategy and granular field execution across the Middle East and North Africa. By maintaining rigorous quality assurance protocols, the To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer protects the company's integrity and client trust. Through meticulous oversight of technical standards, the To The Technical Assistant & Chief Operating Officer & Quality Assurance Engineer drives the firm's commitment to excellence.

    Samer Salous - President

    Samer Salous, the President at OiLSERV, directs the business development and client relationship management strategies for the firm's core service offerings. By focusing on the expansion of integrated drilling and production solutions, the President ensures that the company captures new market opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa. Samer Salous oversees the alignment of service capabilities with the specific technical requirements of regional energy clients. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships that enhance the company's reputation for quality and integrity. By driving the commercial strategy, the President supports the firm's mission to exceed client expectations through excellence in service delivery. Through constant engagement with industry stakeholders, the President identifies emerging trends that inform the company's long-term growth trajectory. Ultimately, the President secures the commercial success of the organization by maintaining a relentless focus on client satisfaction and high-standard service execution.

    Patrick Van De Slijke - President

    Patrick Van De Slijke, the President at OiLSERV, directs the operational scaling and organizational development initiatives for the company. By focusing on the integration of wireline logging and production solutions, the President ensures that the firm maintains a consistent standard of excellence across all regional markets. Patrick Van De Slijke oversees the implementation of internal management systems that support the company's commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to streamline service delivery throughout the Middle East and North Africa. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the President drives the efficiency of the firm's operational infrastructure. Through the strategic management of internal resources, the President enables the company to meet the complex needs of its clients effectively. Ultimately, the President secures the firm's operational resilience by prioritizing quality and integrity in every aspect of the business.
    Patrick Van De Slijke

    Explore Leadership Teams in Energy, Utilities & Waste

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding OiLSERV Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads OiLSERV?
    OiLSERV is led by Sarah Akbar (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mariette Skinner (PA To the Group CEO & Chairman) and Christopher Okonkwo (Group Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of OiLSERV’s executive team?
    The executive team of OiLSERV includes leaders such as Sarah Akbar (Chief Executive Officer), Mariette Skinner (PA To the Group CEO & Chairman), Christopher Okonkwo (Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does OiLSERV have?
    OiLSERV has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in OiLSERV’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of OiLSERV includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, PA To the Group CEO & Chairman, Group Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.