About

Gregory Neal | Completion Advisor | Deepwater & Land Expertise | $1.25B+ Project Delivery

19+ years delivering complex completions and interventions for Shell, ENI, and major operators across the Gulf of Mexico and shale plays. Published in Oil & Gas Journal, with a proven track record in cost optimization, technical innovation, and capital program delivery.

$1.25B+ Capital Delivered
19+ Years Experience
15+ Deepwater Completions
22+ Deepwater Interventions
145+ Land Completions

Career Highlights

Shell Exploration & Production 2012-2025

Completion Execution Lead - Vito Phase 2 & 3

2022-2024

Led 5 deepwater & injector wells (30,000 ft MD, 4,000 ft water depth) delivering Best-in-Class, Top Quartile performance.

Pioneered industry-first piston-jettison JABS barrier valve application
Co-authored technical paper published in Oil & Gas Journal
Innovation recognized as Shell best practice for deepwater completions

Interventions Lead - Perdido

2020-2022

Executed 4 high-complexity subsea interventions while advancing hydrate prevention technology.

Developed novel Subsea Cutter/Injection Valve
Advanced Shell's subsea innovation portfolio

Wells Research Engineer - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2018-2020

Managed $2MM technology investment program fostering global R&D collaboration between Shell Brazil and Shell Houston.

Lead Completion Engineer

2012-2016

Delivered multiple deepwater completions (Perdido, Cardamom, Stones) ahead of schedule and under budget.

ENI US Operating Company 2025

Completion Advisor - Project Based Contract

2025

Provided technical oversight and strategic guidance across deepwater projects for major operator.

Delivered first successful ENI completion in the GOM after 2-year cold-stack
Realized $2-5MM cost avoidance through regulatory problem-solving
Recognized by operator's global headquarters
Southwestern Energy Company 2010-2012

Operations Team Lead, Completion Engineering

2010-2012

Directed high-volume horizontal completion operations in Fayetteville Shale play.

145 wells / 1,480 frac stages in one year
Managed dedicated frac crew and 6 wellsite supervisors

Education

IN PROGRESS

Master of Engineering

Petroleum Engineering - Drilling Specialty

Texas A&M University

COMPLETED

Bachelor of Science

Computer Engineering

University of Houston

Magna Cum Laude | National Merit Scholar

This technical foundation complements 19 years of hands-on completion engineering — enabling a depth of analysis and problem-solving that goes beyond traditional consulting.

Published Work & Industry Recognition

OIL & GAS JOURNAL

"New Barrier Valve Provides Option for Stacked Completions"

Patalakha, A., Neal, G., Randle, B.

May 2024

Technical paper documenting industry-first piston-jettison barrier valve application for dual-function stacked/comingled deepwater completions.

Read Full Article

Shell Best Practices

Vito Phase 2 innovations recognized as Shell completion best practice for deepwater applications.

Global Recognition

ENI cost optimization work recognized by operator's global headquarters and regional leadership.

Why Corevigil

After 19 years delivering elite results for Shell, ENI, and major operators, I founded Corevigil to offer independent engineering consulting with the same caliber of expertise — minus the corporate overhead.

Direct Access

No corporate hierarchy. Work directly with the engineer who delivers the work.

Proven Track Record

$1.25B capital delivered, published in Oil & Gas Journal, Shell/ENI credibility, recent $2-5MM cost avoidance.

Technical Depth

Computer Engineering degree plus 19 years of hands-on operations. When the work calls for it, I build the tools that support my recommendations.

Let's Discuss Your Project

Contact me directly to explore how my expertise can benefit your operations.