It was a standardized test that decided Scot Tyler’s destiny. His father, a disciplined man, didn’t want his sons to work with their hands, so he had them take frequent tests to determine their best career path.
“I scored well in math and science, so my father told me I was going to be an electrical engineer,” says Tyler, current general manager of Phillips 66’s Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. His older brother took a similar trajectory as a mechanical engineer, and his younger brother became an accountant.
“My oldest brother was the rebel,” he adds. “He refused to go to college and became a master mechanic.”
Tyler graduated from McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1990, then launched his industrial career with PPG Industries in Lake Charles. While there, he held roles in engineering, maintenance and operations for more than 10 years before joining Conoco’s Lake Charles Refinery in 2001.
Later, he joined Phillips 66, where he held assignments of increasing responsibility in engineering, operations, planning, economics and management for more than 17 years. Then, after a four-year stint as operations manager at Phillips 66’s Alliance Refinery in Belle Chasse, he returned to the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex in 2022 as general manager.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging in your current position?
One of the most challenging aspects of my current position is learning to step back and allow others the space to work through issues independently. It’s a shift from being hands-on to serving more as a mentor and coach. That transition requires trust in the team’s capabilities and in the process of collaborative problem-solving.
What I’ve come to appreciate is that everyone brings a unique perspective and creativity to the table. If we’re too quick to judge or intervene, we risk suppressing the next great idea. Creating space for others to lead fosters innovation and ownership, which are essential for long-term success.
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing that growth in action. Watching team members rise to challenges, bring forward new solutions, and support one another is fulfilling.
What are your immediate and long-term goals for the facility?
The energy market is highly competitive and constantly evolving, so we must challenge ourselves to reduce costs, remain competitive in any margin environment, and redesign our ways of working to improve responsiveness and efficiency.
At the same time, we never lose sight of our core commitments of safety, environmental stewardship and operational excellence. These are non-negotiable, and they guide every decision we make.
Long-term, we’re focused on cultivating a culture of continuous improvement aimed at positioning the facility as an innovator—one that creates lasting value for Phillips 66 and is sustainable over time. This means embracing new technologies, unlocking opportunities to create greater synergy across our integrated value chain, and empowering our teams to lead with creativity and accountability.
What is your biggest concern for industry?
The shifting dynamic in our workforce. As we welcome a younger and less experienced generation, it’s critical that we intentionally preserve and pass on the practical lessons learned over decades of safe and reliable operations. While procedures, rules and equipment design standards provide a strong foundation, it’s the human element—the culture of safety and environmental stewardship—that truly sustains performance.
Attrition and external factors can lead to a significant loss of institutional knowledge, and we must utilize robust, process-driven training programs that ensure continuity and capability across generations. If we’re not deliberate in mentoring and knowledge-sharing, we risk losing the insights that aren’t written down but are vital to preventing incidents and maintaining excellence.
We owe it to our successors to build a culture that values learning from the past while preparing for the future.
The refining industry faces challenges, but I believe it has a bright and prosperous future. Global energy demand is projected to grow well beyond 2050, and conventional transportation fuels will continue to play a key role in the energy mix.
What are your passions outside of work?
My wife and I are passionate about inspiring the next generation in their relationship with God through volunteering at youth retreats. I also enjoy golfing, cooking, yard work and spending time with family.
