In this conversation with María José Radlak, a petroleum engineer at Tecpetrol, our CEO looks back on the stories and lessons that shaped a career inevitably tied to energy. A journey fueled by a passion that lights the way forward.

Ricardo Markous started his career inside the Techint Group, and this month marks 45 years since he took that first step. His path began with tough projects and big expectations, and he threw himself into them with determination, learning to make the most of every opportunity that came his way in both the country and the region.

In this open, in-depth conversation, Markous reflects on the experiences that shaped him, the ideas that guide his work today, and the advice he hopes will help the next generation. What follows is an edited version of his interview with María José Radlak, Senior Production Engineer in the Neuquén Basin.

When you were studying, did you already imagine becoming CEO?

Not at all. I studied Civil Engineering at the University of Buenos Aires, specializing in hydraulics which did touch on energy, but honestly, I just wanted to build dams because I love the mountains. In the end, I didn’t build a single one! I worked at CONICET’s ocean energy center, and in 1980 I joined Techint Engineering & Construction in the nuclear division. In 1982 I went to MIT, and when Argentina’s nuclear plan wrapped up in 1987, the Group sent me to Stanford for a master’s degree. I came back in the early ’90s, right in the middle of Argentina’s major privatization wave. One of those processes was TGN, and together with other partners, we expanded the gas pipeline network to supply the country and neighboring countries. In 1997, I returned to the Techint Group, to an area called Tecgas, which operated TGN and had a stake in Litoral Gas. In 1999, Tecgas merged with Tecpetrol. About twenty years later, just when I was starting to think about retirement, I was offered the CEO role. Sometimes the road takes you by surprise and you find doors opening that you never expected.

Since you started at Tecpetrol, what did you find most challenging?

Camisea was, without a doubt, the biggest challenge, and also one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in the Group. I was responsible for the project, which meant building a gas pipeline system that completely transformed Peru. The country had no natural gas, and suddenly it had access to a cleaner, more affordable energy matrix. It was a tough project: two pipelines cutting through the jungle, climbing up to 4,800 meters and then dropping down to the coast. At one point we had 6,000 people working on site. We had to deal with everything you can imagine: terrorism, archaeological finds, pipeline leaks and breakages, and we had to address all of it in the national media. That was where I learned what it really means to be exposed: you can keep a low profile most of the time, but when something happens, you need to step up, take responsibility and explain things clearly. Eventually the project was sold. I didn’t agree with the decision, and that taught me that business doesn’t always go the way you’d like. But it also taught me how one chapter closing can open another. The sale of Camisea made it possible for us to develop Fortín de Piedra, another remarkable project.

And what differences and similarities do you see between the current Tecpetrol and the one you joined?

It’s still a very open, very communicative company, but what’s changed is the scale. Today Tecpetrol plays on a more international stage, and the energy transition is part of our daily life. I always tell young people that here they can build a career in oil and gas, but also, over time, in other energy sources. Tecpetrol has become more complex too, with a strong focus on unconventional resources and the huge potential Argentina has in that area. And I also think we’ve put real effort into diversity, and it shows. Today, when new people join the company, men and women are coming in almost in equal numbers.

How do you see the role of technology in this evolution?

Technology is a fantastic tool, and it’s reaching every corner of the business, from the Real Time Operation Center to the use of artificial intelligence applications to boost productivity. With cost pressures, oil price volatility and a highly competitive gas market, we need Tecpetrol to be a truly efficient company. We have a strong professional culture and a lot of young talent. So I see the company in a very good place, with a great future ahead.

With responsibility for such important projects, how do you balance that with your personal and family life?

I have four children and seven grandchildren, and our Sunday barbecue at midday is almost sacred as it’s the moment when we all get together. Staying connected with family and friends keeps you centered, and that gives you the energy you need for work. I’ve just taken twenty days off so I can come back with fresh momentum for everything that’s ahead. Rest matters, and so does exercise, it keeps you healthy and better prepared. When I was younger, I loved climbing; now, a group of friends and I go cycling on weekends, and that also keeps me moving.

And why so many years at Tecpetrol? What made you choose to stay?

If you had told me at the beginning that, 45 years later, I’d be here, I would’ve said you were crazy. But at every stage I found new motivations, and above all, the passion to keep showing up. At TGN, it was an incredible moment to be part of the country’s gas transportation expansion. Then came Camisea, the Pesquería power plant in Mexico, and later Fortín de Piedra. Energy inspires me because it drives the world and it will always matter.

Do you feel that Tecpetrol always gave you opportunities?

Yes, always: you just have to look for them. Being part of a diversified group gives you plenty of tools and possibilities; it’s up to each person to know how to make the most of them.

And can we say today that your motivation lies in Los Toldos II Este?

Absolutely. I’d love to see it up and running by 2027. And now I get to bring everything I’ve learned to projects like this, working side by side with young people to build the Tecpetrol of 100,000 barrels in Argentina, a company with a real regional presence. The truth is, I’m excited. I enjoy what I do. And what I always tell them is: come join us here and have fun too.

And what other advice would you give to those who are starting out?

First, you have to do what you genuinely enjoy. There’s a huge opportunity in Vaca Muerta, but you need passion to make the most of it. Share what you know—that’s how you learn in return, and that’s what real teamwork looks like. And don’t be afraid to raise your hand and say, “I was wrong.” You grow a lot from that. Question things when you feel there’s a better way to do them. And always try to go that extra mile, it’s going above and beyond that really helps us move forward.

Is there anything that didn't go as you expected?

Sometimes difficult decisions involve understanding that a person may be better suited for another role. And then sometimes, you just have to accept that you lose, as happened to us with some areas we bid for. So then you need to regroup and start over. We’ve also learned a lot from the accidents we’ve had. Since then, with our staff and contractors, we’ve strengthened a culture that prioritizes safety from the ground up. Something that’s worked well for us is the safety index we’ve developed, which is on a par with world-class standards at top-tier companies.

What would you say to yourself back on your first day?

Be more patient: things happen when they’re meant to. Effort really does pay off. Focus on teamwork, keep studying, and try to work with a sense of enjoyment instead of frustration. Life is full of opportunities. Work is just the same.