About Michael T. Mansfield
About Michael T. Mansfield
Michael T. Mansfield is a highly strategic global operations leader with a rare blend of civilian executive experience and military leadership. With over 25 years in the oil & gas industry and more than 30 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, he has consistently guided organizations through transformation, growth, and crisis with measurable results. Recognized for bold decision-making, operational excellence, and cross-cultural leadership, Mike delivers strategies that strengthen governance, mitigate risk, and drive visible business growth.
- Transformational Leadership — Driving restructuring, growth, and operational success.
- Military Expertise — U.S. Navy Reserve Commanding Officer with top-secret clearance.
- Global Perspective — Led operations across Asia, Europe, and North America in 90+ countries.
- Proven Results — Reduced projected costs by $45M, secured $2.4B in credit lines, and protected multi-million-dollar assets.
Executive Journey
AOT Holdings | Zug, Switzerland (2013–2020)
Executive Roles
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
- Reported directly to CEO
- Oversaw 20 direct reports and 100+ indirect reports spanning Asia, Europe, and North America
Core Responsibilities
- Managed $2.4B in credit lines and $800M equity during peak operations
- Led 7 global offices, traveling 100,000+ miles annually to build local relationships and cultural alignment
- Instituted systems and standards to mitigate risks, ensuring global consistency and compliance
- Selected by board chair and stakeholders’ representative to:
- Conduct in-person site visits
- Oversee organizational downscale from 11:1 to 4:1 production ratio
- Guide workforce reduction from 200 to 60 employees in preparation for successful 2019 sale to ArrowMetals & Trading
Key Achievements
- Risk & Crisis Leadership
- Served as CRO (2018–2019), monitoring global traders and filling key positions during transition with no major setbacks
- Reviewed daily risks and exposures across global operations
- Cost Optimization
- Cut projected downsizing costs from $50M to $5M through global site visits and strategic line reductions
- Maintained critical talent despite workforce reduction
- Technology & Compliance
- Recovered from $6M in failed system investments under prior leadership
- Implemented a global electronic trading & risk management system (ETRM) with unified reporting metrics
- Prevented millions in potential losses by reducing false reporting and theft risk
- Increased borrowing base in North America by $50M during critical financial period
- Reduced exposure to cyberattacks and natural disasters by 99% through offsite IT archive
- Client & Revenue Growth
- Preserved $10M client renewal by personally flying Switzerland → Texas same day for in-person negotiation
- Increased client’s net profit margin 25% over 2 years
- Secured new partnership through cost-saving measures
Cargill Energy Transportation & Metals | Houston, TX 2012 – 2013
Role
- Crude Oil Commodity Trader
- Reported to Trade Manager
- Oversaw 2 direct reports
- Subject matter expert in commodities transportation, logistics, and storage systems
Core Responsibilities
- Recruited to design strategy for entry into physical crude oil market
- Organized trade flows, logistics, and storage solutions for crude oil transport from Canada to U.S. southern markets via rail
- Monitored regulatory standards and policy changes to mitigate trading and operational risks
Key Achievements
- Market Expansion Strategy
- Developed a comprehensive plan for a $200M Canadian/American crude venture, aiming to launch full operations within one year
- Positioned Cargill for entry into the physical crude oil market with expanded global presence
- Training & Knowledge Leadership
- Advised both senior and junior leaders on physical crude trading
- Delivered formal and informal training sessions and written reports to strengthen internal expertise
- Strategic Outcome
- Project ultimately halted by senior leadership due to change in corporate direction, though groundwork positioned company for potential future entry into crude oil
Role
- Scheduling Supervisor
- Recruited as top graduate from undergraduate program
- Reported to Global Operations Manager
- Oversaw between 2–30 direct reports and 100+ indirect reports globally
- First point of contact for emergencies and escalations in international operations
Core Responsibilities
- Managed operations and logistics for domestic and global multi-product commodity trading divisions
- Traveled frequently to international offices to troubleshoot, recommend improvements, and implement solutions directly with staff
- Coordinated closely with finance and compliance to align operations with commercial objectives
Key Achievements
- Profit Growth & Risk Mitigation
- Increased profit and savings by exploring new opportunities, testing new products, and reducing theft risk across global operations
- Operational Efficiency
- Improved full-time employee efficiency by 30% through new operational processes, stronger collaboration, and targeted education for finance/compliance teams
- Cost Reduction
- Cut insurance costs by 40% by reducing minor operational errors via extensive site evaluations and corrective procedures at international terminals
- Technology & Process Innovation
- Delivered a $100K IT system upgrade, installing an international database to streamline ordering and shipping
- Prevented millions in potential losses by reducing operator mistakes (2005)
Military Leadership
Three Decades of Distinguished Service in the U.S. Navy Reserve
United States Navy Reserve – Served in leadership roles including Crisis Action Team Chief, Officer in Charge, Executive Officer, and ultimately Commanding Officer.
Trusted as a mission leader in high-stakes operations, built the trust and confidence of the Naval Special Warfare and Aviation communities, as well as joint forces teams, and was personally selected to serve as the senior military advisor to the Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs.
Mike Mansfield’s 30+ years in the U.S. Navy Reserve reflect his commitment to leadership, discipline, and service. He has commanded top-performing units worldwide, led intelligence operations in combat environments, and executed crisis responses that saved lives.
Commanding Officer — Has led five high performing Navy commands as well as being the Director for Joint Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps Dispersed Units
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Response — Led rapid redesign of monitoring systems, credited with saving countless lives.
Revitalized Distressed Units — Transformed underperforming teams into highly ranked commands.
Decorated Service:
3× Meritorious Service Medal
6× Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals
Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer of the Year (2011)
Navy Reserve Line Officer of the Year (2012)
Mike Mansfield’s 30+ years in the U.S. Navy Reserve reflect his commitment to leadership, discipline, and service. He has commanded top-performing units worldwide, led intelligence operations in combat environments, and executed crisis responses that saved lives.
Commanding Officer — Has led five high performing Navy commands as well as being the Director for Joint Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps Dispersed Units
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Response — Led rapid redesign of monitoring systems, credited with saving countless lives.
Revitalized Distressed Units — Transformed underperforming teams into highly ranked commands.
Decorated Service:
3× Meritorious Service Medal
6× Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medals
Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer of the Year (2011)
Navy Reserve Line Officer of the Year (2012)
Education
- Master of Arts in Public & Private Management | University of Houston
- Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration (cum laude) | Texas A&M University (top graduate)
- Joint Professional Military Education | United States Air Force Command and Staff College – Air University
Board & Advisory Boards
- Advisor African Investment Group grid2grid.com
- Board: StratumPoint Inc
- Former: AOT Energy Americas
- Former: AOT Energy Canada
- Former: AOT Transcor Holdings USA, LLC
- Former: AOT Holding: Switzerland
Certifications
- Joint Targeting Officer (2010)
- Top Secret SSBI Security Clearance (2000 – Present)
- Naval Special Warfare Intelligence Officer (2005)
- Special Operations Forces Intelligence Officer (2004)
- Naval Aviation Observer (2005)
Education
- Master of Arts in Public & Private Management | University of Houston
- Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration (cum laude) | Texas A&M University (top graduate)
- Joint Professional Military Education | United States Air Force Command and Staff College – Air University
Board & Advisory Boards
- Advisor African Investment Group grid2grid.com
- Board: StratumPoint Inc
- Former: AOT Energy Americas
- Former: AOT Energy Canada
- Former: AOT Transcor Holdings USA, LLC
- Former: AOT Holding: Switzerland
Certifications
- Joint Targeting Officer (2010)
- Top Secret SSBI Security Clearance (2000 – Present)
- Naval Special Warfare Intelligence Officer (2005)
- Special Operations Forces Intelligence Officer (2004)
- Naval Aviation Observer (2005)
Personal Approach
Mike is known as a relationship builder who fosters trust across all organizational levels. He is respected by executives, peers, and front-line employees alike, having personally met and connected with staff across global operations. His leadership combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence, enabling him to resolve crises, retain talent, and drive long-term organizational strength.
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