Added: 18th August 2025 by ExxonMobil
Chemicals Plant Process Manager, Leonardo Di Napoli, has shared valuable insights into how he has achieved success during his jet-setting 23-year journey with ExxonMobil.
Starting his career in 2002 as a Supply Analyst at ExxonMobil's Italian headquarters in Rome, Leo has taken on various roles that have led him from his home country of Italy to the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and now to his current position at ExxonMobil Fawley in the UK.
"Throughout my time with ExxonMobil, I've learned that understanding people is just as important as technical knowledge,” said Leo. “Relationships and learning the dynamics of an organisation are what really drive success.”
Over the years, Leo has developed a wealth of expertise and skills, both through his roles and the diverse cultures he has encountered.
He said, "Whether I'm working in Italy, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, or the UK, I've found that curiosity and a willingness to ask questions are vital.”
“Instead of focusing on the specific detail of one manufacturing site, I have focused on how to adapt quickly and effectively to new organisations, to deliver change and results. This has also allowed me to know better myself and the values I stand for.”
In 2004, Leo became a Senior Supply Analyst, responsible for developing the five-year supply plan for Esso Italiana's share of the Trecate SARPOM Refinery
This was followed by a brief role as Refinery Coordination Manager in 2006, where he led strategic business projects such as the By-Land Shipping Expansion and efforts to increase production capacity.
In 2007, Leo transitioned to Process Engineer, focusing on technical optimisation and the profitability of reformers and hydrotreaters.
Later that year, Leo moved to the Netherlands to work at the Rotterdam Esso Refinery, where he supported the optimisation and profitability of topping and light ends, including project evaluations and facility designs.
Returning to Italy in 2009, Leo took on the role of Plant Operations Supervisor, reporting to the Hydroskimming Business Team Leader. He continued his career at Trecate, becoming Short Range Planning Supply Manager in 2012.
In 2015, Leo moved to southern Italy to join the Augusta Esso Refinery as Business Team Leader, leading a Team of 120, before transitioning to Maintenance Support Manager in 2018. He led a team of 10 engineers and professionals in this role to improve work-process efficiency and effectiveness.
With the acquisition of Augusta Refinery by Sonatrach, Leo became Integrated Event Support Manager, a position that saw him temporarily seconded to Sonatrach.
During this time, he supported the planning and execution of the refinery's largest-ever turnaround event, managing a team of 50 engineers, 200 contractors, and multiple managers.
Leo said, "It was a valuable reminder of how much ExxonMobil values its people, and it reinforced the need to stay open to change. I've learned to focus on the positives and look ahead to the future."
After completing his work in Augusta, in 2019 Leo relocated to Saudi Arabia as the Process Engineering Manager at the Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery, SAMREF. In 2022, he moved to the UK to begin a new chapter at ExxonMobil Fawley, first as the Operations Support Manager and later as the Chemicals Plant Process Manager in 2024.
Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Leo added, "I don't know what the next stage of my career will bring, and I feel fortunate to have had the global opportunities I've had, thanks to ExxonMobil."
