Edward Bawa, the Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GOIL PLC, told Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition that his transition into the oil marketing company’s leadership has been smoother than he initially expected.
Speaking after more than a year at the helm, Bawa credited the company’s supportive environment, the staff’s commitment and a thorough onboarding process for easing his settlement into the role.
He added that he had joined GOIL with an open mind, having never led an oil marketing company before, and that even during his time as a Member of Parliament he had not paid close attention to the company’s operations.
“I came to GOIL with an open mind because it was my first time leading an oil marketing company. I, even in my life as a member of parliament, did not pay so much attention to GOIL and what they were doing,” Bawa said.
However, the support from management and staff, especially during his onboarding, made the transition easier than anticipated. “The period of onboarding that was done for me by my heads of departments was very useful. The staff themselves were ready to support me,” he added.
Bawa described the experience as seamless, noting that the combination of people, structures and principles gave employees clarity about expectations and the means to achieve organisational goals.
He cautioned that smooth leadership also depends on clear policies and structures that guide operations, stating, “You need people supporting you, that’s the human capital. But you also need the structures.”
Looking ahead, Bawa remains optimistic about GOIL’s future, confident that the supportive culture and robust frameworks will continue to drive the company’s success.
