b'GE T TING TO KNOW THE CEOMichael Thomas, CEO of Ascend SCQ: Can you take me back to your first connection to that would have been unthinkable Sumitomo Corporation? a decade ago. Looking forward, we A: My first connection to Sumitomo Corp happened during myplan to leverage technology like AI senior year of college in 2005. I was attracted to an international an- and machine learning to maximize alyst position they had open, but I didnt technically qualify becauseefficiency and make technology an of my degree. I decided to reach out to the recruiter directly andenabler, not a limiter. The focus will expressed my interest. I ended up interviewing for the role I wantedbe on bringing global relationships in Houston but was offered a different position in Alaska, marking thetogether, driving value, and enabling beginning of my journey with the corporation. people to perform their jobs well, efficiently, and safely.Q: After several decades of working in everything but mostly inQ: Can you tell me a little bit more about what Ascend SC is now?tubular and logistics, you eventually joined SCGTS and becameA: Ascend SC is an internal consulting firm and a solution provider, CEO. Did anything surprise you when you assumed this role? not just for the Tubular group, but for all Sumitomo Corporation A: Well, I found that one cant know all the answers - a stark con- initiatives. One example is our rollout of SC Trace, a technology trast to my earlier belief that CEOs have it all figured out. I had anthat serializes every piece of pipe and tracks its entire lifecycle - a excellent mentor in (former CEO) Mark Kays. Its an ongoing processtechnology that could apply to any traceable commodity. Were of learning, building, and maintaining an open mind, and the keyalso in the process of replacing our core system, iTIMS, with a more lies in having a supportive team around you, and understanding thatuniversal platform that can support any business, such as fluid directions may change as we move forward. management, frac sand, logistics, transportation, and even kinetic Q: Where is the company right now as compared to, say, ten yearsenergy storage.ago and where do you see it ten years from now? Q: Why is now the most exciting time for SCGTS to be changing A: Ten years ago, our primary focus was on international projectsto Ascend SC?and increasing our market share in OCTG (Oil Country TubularA: The most exciting transformation is due to the expansion in our Goods). However, 2020 taught us the value of pursuing meaningful,capabilities. Our new name signifies our ability to do more and our long-term business, rather than simply chasing market share. Wevereadiness to embrace change. As I observe the people Ive worked transitioned from SC Global Tubular Solutions to Ascend SC, encom- with for years, I see a shift in our vision and possibilities. The next passing more than just tubular and reflecting our broader businessdecade is going to be about societal betterment and enabling the development. Weve hired an ESG sustainability lead, somethingfuture, and thats the most thrilling aspect of this evolution.primary identity of this company. CustomersIn July of this year, SCGTS announced a name change to Ascend are asking more of Sumitomo Corporation SC, with an objective to help SC and its customers in the energy both in handling a larger scope of productssector elevate their supply chain operations. That means being like tanks, sand, equipment, and accessories,close to those customers, understanding how their business and also in implementing digital offeringsis changing, and building solutions together. Beyond tubular that enable better analytics, efficiencyinventory management, the way forward often includes either through automation and drive strategiesthe development or implementation of digital products, analysis around a greener supply chain. of data that drives new strategic opportunities, or even external Customers in the energy sector and partnerships that leverage synergies, technologies and knowledge David Watson formeracross different regions or industries. leadership in Sumitomo Corporation see President of SCGTSbusiness needs and opportunities shifting.The SCM and US Distribution businesses are expected to bear fruit for many years to come. However, improvements and efficiencies and a market shift toward clean energy are leading to opportunities for expanded offerings. The SCGTS history and brand will always stand for value delivery for tubular products. But to expand its reach toward green supply chain, digital products, and new models the company had to also expand customer perception with a new name.Sumitomo Corporation of Americas 5'