### PEMEX Welcomes Víctor Rodríguez Padilla as Its New Director General
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the president-elect, announced on August 26, 2024, the appointment of Víctor Rodríguez Padilla as the new Director General of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), succeeding Octavio Romero Oropeza. Oropeza had held the position since December 1, 2018, under the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
“Víctor is well-acquainted with PEMEX. He recently served as an advisor to Laura Itzel Castillo, who is a member of the PEMEX board. It’s a pleasure to have him leave academia and join us,” Sheinbaum Pardo stated. She added that Rodríguez Padilla has defended the country’s energy sovereignty since his first treaty and has 42 years of experience in the energy sector.
Rodríguez Padilla expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead PEMEX, acknowledging the significant responsibility it entails. He emphasized that substantial progress had been made in rescuing the state-owned enterprise over the past six years, which he claimed was devastated by neoliberal policies.
“I want to thank President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo for this tremendous opportunity,” said Rodríguez Padilla. “Being at the helm of the largest company in the country is not just an honor but also a significant challenge. I accept it with joy and enthusiasm.”
He highlighted that PEMEX had been left in ruins but praised the efforts to restore the company’s infrastructure, notably its refineries. He dismissed claims about the company’s demise, assuring that PEMEX would continue to produce 1.8 million barrels per day and focus on creating cleaner fuels.
Sheinbaum Pardo hinted that outgoing director Romero Oropeza would remain in her administration but did not specify in what capacity.
#### Who is Víctor Rodríguez Padilla?
Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, 64, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where he has been a faculty member for over 38 years. He also holds a Master’s in Energy Engineering from UNAM and a Ph.D. in Energy Economics from the University of Pierre Mendes France in Grenoble, France.
He is a Level III member of Mexico’s National Research System and has served as a thesis advisor for numerous graduate and doctoral students. Rodríguez Padilla has authored many books and articles on energy issues and has contributed to various media outlets.
In 2012, alongside Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, he co-authored the article “Mexican energy policy and sustainability indicators,” published in the journal Energy Policy. He was also a founding member of the Citizen Energy Observatory.
His research focuses on energy and development, energy policy and planning, and the organization and regulation of energy industries.
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#### North American Economy and Democracy at Risk: Washington Post on AMLO’s Judiciary Efforts
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Stay tuned for more updates from TJGringo.com.