Meet the team: Stephen Kellett, Commercial Director
We recently announced the appointment of Stephen Kellett as Commercial Director at Enteq. As we drive the commercialisation of the SABER Tool, we are building a team with the expertise, experience and industry knowledge to establish Enteq as a leader in rotary steerable system (RSS) technology.
We caught up with Stephen to discuss his background, his thoughts on SABER and what is next for Enteq.
Tell us a bit about your background before joining Enteq.
I have worked in directional drilling and Measurement While Drilling for over 30 years, starting with Sperry Drilling, which later became part of Halliburton. I spent 25 years at Halliburton, moving from MWD operations into management and commercial roles, eventually overseeing Sperry’s global assets within Halliburton.
From there, I took up senior leadership positions at Weatherford, managing operations across Europe, Africa and North America. More recently, I worked on the manufacturing side of the industry, leading a business that built Logging While Drilling tools for independent MWD companies. That gave me valuable insight into the commercial challenges and opportunities in the directional drilling market, which is what led me to Enteq.
What made you want to join Enteq?
I have known VP Advanced Drilling Systems, Neil Bird and CEO, Andrew Law, for years, and we have always had good discussions about where the market is heading. When I looked at SABER, it was clear that this is something different, a real step change in RSS technology.
Many of the existing tools in the market are complicated, expensive and time-consuming to maintain. SABER takes a completely fresh approach, with a mechanically simple, high-reliability design that removes the biggest pain points operators face. The chance to be part of bringing this technology to market was too good to pass up.
What sets the SABER Tool apart from other RSS technologies?
It comes down to efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Traditional RSS tools use external pads and pistons, which means more moving parts, more wear and tear and higher maintenance costs.
SABER is different. It uses an internally directed pressure differential system to steer, eliminating those external contact points. The result is a tool that is simpler, faster to maintain and significantly cheaper to operate.
What are your priorities as Commercial Director?
My focus is on getting SABER into the field with strategic partners. We are targeting the Middle East, North America, Europe and Africa; regions where operational efficiency is critical and where SABER’s unique advantages will deliver the biggest impact.
Our priority is securing field trials with companies that understand the value of innovation and are open to trialling a disruptive new technology.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for SABER?
SABER is a solution for markets that have been underserved by existing technology. In geothermal drilling, high temperatures create serious challenges for existing RSS tools. SABER is designed to handle high-temperature environments, giving operators a more reliable and cost-effective option.
For remote operations, SABER is a game changer. In many regions, operators do not have the infrastructure to support the high maintenance demands of traditional RSS tools. SABER’s low complexity and modular design mean operators can swap out key components on site, rather than shipping tools back for service. In a recent test, we replaced a tool in just 17 minutes. That level of efficiency and uptime is a huge advantage in geothermal, mining and smaller onshore operations.
What excites you most about this role?
This is a rare opportunity to bring a genuinely disruptive technology to market. I have spent my career working with directional drilling tools, and I can say with confidence that SABER is different.
This tool challenges the status quo. It offers a real alternative to legacy RSS systems, improving uptime, reliability and project economics. The next step will be about getting it in the field, proving its value and scaling up our market presence. I am looking forward to leading that charge.
With decades of industry experience, Stephen Kellett is leading the commercialisation of SABER, bringing a disruptive and cost-effective approach to rotary steerable systems. As we commercialise the tool, we’re keen to connect with forward-thinking partners.
Visit the SABER page to learn more: https://www.enteq.com/products/rotary-steerable-system-srss/
