Joe Leimkuhler

Hall of Fame, 2025

Joe is a seasoned oil and gas industry executive with over 44 years of extensive experience in offshore drilling, well engineering, and production operations. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Beacon Offshore Energy, overseeing all offshore operations, engineering, and projects including deepwater production and the world’s second 20K Deepwater Development “Shenandoah”. Joe has expertise in managing large-scale offshore projects, implementing operational efficiencies, and ensuring the highest safety and environmental standards.

Joe also serves as the current Chairman of HWCG Well Containment Corporation – an Industry well containment company providing well containment and emergency response services to member companies.

In April of 2025 Joe became the Chair of the National Ocean Industries Association. NOIA represents and advocates offshore energy in all forms, oil and gas, wind and marine operations advising national energy policy makers. 

Prior to joining Beacon, Joe served as Vice President of Drilling at LLOG Exploration for 7 years, responsible for leading all drilling/completion operations, and well engineering activities. Prior to LLOG Joe held multiple senior leadership roles over 25 years at Shell International E&P Co., including Offshore Well Delivery Manager for the Americas, Gulf of Mexico Subsea Development Manager, and Drilling Superintendent for deepwater and offshore projects.

Throughout his career, Joe played pivotal roles in executing complex deepwater exploration and production strategies, mentoring technical teams, and driving innovative drilling technologies. A recognized industry leader, serving on the National Board of Directors for the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) and previously as its National President (2007-2009). and is a member of the National Advisory Board for the University of Wyoming College of Engineering.

Joe holds a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Forestry from the University of Montana.

Joe has always credited his time at UW as the launching point for his career. The “Wyoming Way’ of simply finding joy wherever you are and simply doing the best at whatever task you are assigned is the key to success finding you; versus you finding success.

Joe and his wife Stephanie have two grown children and seven grand-children and although still in Louisiana visit Wyoming often and still consider Wyoming “home”.