A Word from the Board
KBR is fortunate to have an outstanding lineup of experts with extensive experience in numerous industries serving on our board of directors. These individuals not only work together to help guide our business strategies, monitor performance, evaluate risk, conduct oversight and much more — they’re also fascinating people! This quarter, we’re pleased to introduce you to Jack B. Moore, who brings more than three decades of energy industry experience to our board at a moment when KBR is emerging as a leader in energy transition and helping customers transform their operations through sustainable technology.
Jack B. Moore
KBR Board of Directors Service: 9+ years
KBR Board Committees: Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Birthplace: Freeport, Texas
Lives in: Houston, Texas
Area(s) of Expertise: Business management and administration, corporate governance
Favorite Hobby or Leisure Activity: Golf and ranching
Favorite Place You’ve Visited: Anywhere in Scotland
Favorite Book or Movie: I’m a World War II buff, so my favorite book is “Unbroken” and favorite movie is “Saving Private Ryan.” But my wife will tell you my favorite movie is “Caddyshack”
Read Jack’s full bio at KBR.com
Tell us about your education and career.
I am a first-generation college graduate. After graduating from the University of Houston, I joined Baker Hughes. Then, after 20 years in a number of roles, from operations to market research to human resources, I returned to Houston to join Cameron. After a number of various division leadership roles, I had the privilege to spend the last seven years as the Chairman and CEO. What’s a career highlight of which you’re particularly proud?
Sometimes a lowlight becomes a highlight in your career. Cameron built the blowout preventer that was at the center of attention in the Deepwater Horizon tragedy. Having to defend your brand against the media, public and congressional hearings, while at the same time not letting it distract you and your team from working with your customers (BP and Transocean) to solve the problem, was daunting. We did not let this detract from leading the effort to build the solution that capped the well on the seafloor with an incredible team of employees and contractors, while simultaneously proving that our product was not the cause of the accident. Nothing can prepare you for a horrific event like this but never wavering from your core values and doing the right thing will see you through it. As a result, both BP and Transocean became our biggest global customers for many years after the event. What was your first association with KBR?
Probably in my early teens, as the Brown and Root brand was legendary in Houston for anyone who grew up here. But later on, because Cameron was a supplier of critical service valves for a number of their LNG projects, I had numerous occasions to interact with projects and leadership. Starting last year, KBR enhanced its focus on people. Why is that crucial, especially considering how the pandemic has changed the ways companies do business?
We are a people business that requires every employee to be focused on their role in delivering solutions and technology to our customers on a global scale. KBR is blessed with highly engaged employees that wake up every day doing the right things right! It is reflected in our safety performance, our customer feedback and our financial results. The pandemic required us to work differently, without the structure of the office and presence of our work teams, but our employees didn’t skip a beat. And this is how highly engaged employees perform.
How does corporate governance at the board level tie into KBR’s focus on people and sustainability?
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the goals and objectives for leadership, the strategy of the company, and the mission and vision it establishes for all employees to follow. And our job in this respect is made easy, as your CEO is passionate about ONE KBR — that each and every employee is critical to the success of the company. Plus he is the biggest cheerleader for our sustainability mission! Why is it important at this moment in history that KBR is carving out a place as a world leader in sustainable technology and energy transition?
We only have one planet, so as a global company, all of our employees play a role in living our sustainability mission. Whether your role is in developing, marketing or delivering our energy transition technology, you should be proud that you’re trailblazing a path for the future of KBR and for future generations. During your time on the board, what are some examples you’ve seen of KBR’s commitment to social sustainability and how we’re making a difference in our communities?
I can’t help but remember the pictures splashed across Houston media of the supersized rescue trucks that KBR donated to the Houston Fire Department after Hurricane Harvey. That made a huge difference in their ability to respond and rescue our fellow citizens in all of our communities. Then there’s the annual KBR Charity Golf Tournament that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for targeted local charities. Seeing hundreds of KBR employees engaged and helping our community partners fulfill their missions is a wonderful example of KBR’s commitment to having a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. You’re no stranger to community involvement yourself. Tell us about the work Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) is doing in Houston, Texas.
MAM has a special place in my heart, as I grew up in the community it serves today. I love the work it does to provide hardworking families in our communities with enhanced job skills, vocational and certification training, financial empowerment, paths to citizenship, and adult literacy programs. It’s also supported by 29 churches, representing all denominations, and hundreds of volunteers. What do you think will be one of the most enduring lessons learned from the pandemic?
Seeing the world develop a vaccine inside of a year was a feat never seen before. Never underestimate the resiliency and resolve of a world focused on a single goal.
