Communications Strategies for the New Era of Oil & Gas

With over 30 years’ experience in the energy and FMCG sectors Gloyta Nathalang leads sustainability strategy and corporate communications at Bangchak Corporation. She chairs Thailand’s Carbon Markets Club, serves on multiple climate-focused boards, and drives social and environmental initiatives to promote sustainable development.

In an engaging interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Gloyta breaks down communication and branding strategies for the future of the oil & gas industry. She talks about balancing profitability with sustainability in oil & gas and evolving communication to combat greenwashing. Gloyta also highlights the need to manage reputational risks, and leveraging AI for transparent, engaging sustainability reporting in the oil & gas sector.

To know more about Gloyta Nathalang’s insights and communication strategies being leveraged by Bangchak Corporation, read the interview below.

With growing scrutiny on sustainability in oil and gas, how are companies balancing profitability and accelerating the transition to low-carbon solutions?

Navigating the balance between profitability and low-carbon transition requires long-term thinking, disciplined execution, and a willingness to evolve.

Over four decades, Bangchak has grown from a single refinery into a diversified energy group operating in 11 countries, with a portfolio spanning oil refining and trading, marketing, renewables, bio-based products, and natural resources. We have consistently turned ESG into business, whether through community-based service stations, biodiesel from used cooking oil, clean energy investment, and most recently, pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. 

Profitability is supported by strategic diversification and risk management, while the transition is driven by innovation and inclusive engagement. For us, the low-carbon shift is not a trade-off, but a catalyst for creating resilient, purpose-driven growth.

In an era of digital transparency, how can corporate communication strategies evolve to address greenwashing concerns while strengthening stakeholder trust in sustainability commitments?

As expectations grow, corporate communication strategies must evolve from one-way reporting to continuous, transparent engagement.

In the past, sustainability was often communicated through formal reports; now, stakeholders expect timely and honest communication multiple channels. Effective communication must begin internally, building awareness and shared understanding across teams, subsidiaries, and the supply chain. When everyone involved knows the values, goals, and real progress being made, messages become more authentic and consistent.

Rather than avoiding difficult topics, companies should share both achievements and areas for improvement. This evolution, from controlled messaging to open dialogue, helps address greenwashing concerns and strengthens long-term trust. Communication has become more than a tool for image, but a foundation for credibility and accountability.

Which innovative crisis management approaches can energy companies adopt to mitigate reputational risks associated with geopolitical disruptions and environmental activism?

Innovative crisis management today isn’t always about new tools, it’s about being prepared to respond thoughtfully and systematically when it matters through the right channels and tools. Energy companies should focus on internal readiness, scenario planning, clear processes, regular team training, and aligned internal communication.

It’s important that employees are informed clearly and early, not caught off guard by external news. A case-by-case approach allows for responses that are timely, respectful, and grounded in real understanding.

At Bangchak, we have learned the value of being well-prepared, staying alert but not alarmed, so that when challenges arise, we can act with care and confidence. Strong stakeholder relationships, built over time, help us engage openly and constructively during difficult moments.

How can sustainability communications move beyond compliance-driven narratives to genuinely influence corporate strategy and drive measurable impact?

To move beyond compliance, sustainability communication must guide thinking and decision-making, not simply report outcomes. When people across the organization understand how ESG goals shape business priorities, it builds a sense of ownership. This responsibility belongs to everyone, not only sustainability or communication teams.

Effective communication transforms ESG from an external expectation into an internal driver of behavior. It requires speaking clearly, acknowledging challenges, and linking daily actions to long-term purpose. As understanding deepens, sustainability becomes part of everyday thinking and decision-making, not only something seen in strategic plans. In this way, communication acts as a strategic enabler, supporting real impact across the energy value chain.

As stakeholder expectations shift, what role does corporate branding play in reshaping the perception of oil and gas companies as key players in the new energy transition?

As stakeholder expectations evolve, corporate branding plays a key role in shaping how oil and gas companies are seen in the energy transition. A strong brand reflects not just ambition, but action and values.

Bangchak’s brand idea, “Greenovate to Regenerate”, expresses our commitment to innovate with purpose and regenerate value, economically, socially, and environmentally. Inspired by nature’s cycles, it guides how we balance energy security, accessibility, and sustainability.

Importantly, a brand must resonate internally and be clearly understood and accepted by external stakeholders to carry real meaning. While leadership sets the tone, employees bring the brand to life. When people at all levels are engaged, branding becomes a shared journey, turning purpose into progress and trust into something lasting.

With the rise of AI and data-driven storytelling, how can digital communications be leveraged to enhance transparency, accountability, and engagement in sustainability reporting?

AI and data-driven storytelling can enhance sustainability reporting when used thoughtfully and responsibly. What matters most is using real, verified data, not applying technology to make information look better than it is. These tools can improve clarity, reveal patterns, and engage stakeholders in more accessible ways. But they should be used with purpose, and only, when necessary, given their energy intensity.

True transparency and accountability come not from algorithms alone, but from honest communication and real action. When used wisely, digital tools can help bring complex sustainability information to life, making it easier to understand, more engaging, and ultimately more trusted.