Thomas Barger: A Man of Vision and Foresight

Spanning a 32-year career with Aramco, Thomas Barger experienced first-hand the tremendous transformation of the Kingdom and the company in the early years.

Just six years out of college, Barger accepted a geologist position with the California Arabian Standard Oil Company (Casoc). Casoc was looking to hire quite urgently and sent Barger to Saudi Arabia. Upon his arrival, Barger was first greeted by Max Steineke and team where he was sized up for his geological expertise. With a degree in Mining and Metallurgy, and experience as a surveyor and engineer, Barger set out on a mission of geological reconnaissance. Covering over 40,000 square miles of unexplored territory in the Kingdom, Barger developed skills that would serve his entire career. Learning the Arabic language and culture through books and practice with the Bedouin guides, Barger developed a very positive reputation with the Saudis he encountered during his mission. His innate communication skills led Barger to serve a fruitful career in Aramco Government Relations.

Barger held high level positions in his tenure at Aramco including Vice President of Government Relations, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. He contributed greatly to improvements within the Saudi workforce, submitting plans and proposals to face the onset of challenges he foresaw as the company grew. Barger developed programs that included assistance to Saudi workers with home purchases, and training programs for young Saudi workers to advance within Aramco.

Ali I. Al-Naimi wrote Barger a letter in 1984 complimenting him on the programs he implemented to train a young Saudi workforce. Naimi credited Barger directly for changes that led to many executive roles being filled by Saudis.

Barger’s reputation remains today that of a humble, courteous and honest man who achieved great things in his career and for the company. Additionally, and equally as memorable, he leaves a lasting mark for improving the lives of the Saudi workforce.