Understanding the ‘why’ behind his work has been the driving force of Gabriel Arnedillo’s eight-year journey at UGL, shaping both his career and the culture of the team he leads today.
When Gabriel joined UGL in 2018, he brought with him years of experience in the oil and gas sector, gained across several locations. He describes his move to UGL as a deliberate shift. “It was my first experience with a contractor, and I really wanted to see the other side of the industry.”
He started as a project accountant on a major energy contract and quickly demonstrated technical strength and an appetite for learning. What began as responsibility for one portion of the project soon expanded. “I was looking for exposure and learning opportunities, and UGL gave me both,” he recalls. Before long, he was overseeing the entire contract, guiding a team of accountants and navigating a new level of operational complexity.
Five years ago, Gabriel progressed into the role of business controller, a significant step forward in both responsibility and exposure to the wider project landscape.
Since then, he has continued to grow both professionally and personally. “Five years down the track, I look back and I am proud of what I have achieved and what I have learnt.”
For Gabriel, strong leadership starts with purpose. “I always seek to understand the purpose first, because it helps guide how I approach the work,” he says. He brings that clarity to his team every day. “I try to paint that picture for them. Why they are doing what they do, and how they contribute to our bigger goals."
Outside work, Gabriel loves to travel and recently returned from a five‑month family trip. He also enjoys mountain climbing and trains regularly to stay ready for his next adventure.
From project accountant to business controller, and from climbing mountains to climbing career milestones, Gabriel’s story is one of growth and leadership grounded in purpose. It reflects UGL's broader commitment to supporting its people to grow and succeed.
With structured learning and development programs, opportunities for progression, and leaders who champion curiosity and capability, UGL empowers its people to build long, meaningful careers. It’s an environment where ambition is encouraged, development is continuous, and every individual is supported to reach their next milestone.