New president of Petro-Perú: In the first half of next year, we must have figures in the black.

The new chairman of the Petro-Perú board, Alejandro Narváez, has set an ambitious goal for the state-owned company: to achieve “blue figures” by the end of the first semester of 2025. In a recent interview with Canal N, Narváez assured that under his leadership, no financial support will be requested from the state, marking a clear and bold commitment to the company’s financial autonomy.

Narváez, who took office just over ten days ago, expressed that Petro-Perú's current situation requires urgent transformation and that he is fully confident that, with the right approach, the company will be able to reverse its economic situation. “If I have to ask for a bailout from the state, I would have failed,” he warned, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with his management and the team accompanying him.

The president of Petro-Perú did not hesitate to mention that if the results at the end of the first semester of next year are not positive, he might reevaluate his position. His statement suggests strong pressure on his management, but also a determination on Narváez's part to take full control of the situation and be held accountable directly.

Narváez has shared that the company is going through a critical moment, but he has also stated that he already has a plan in place to recover Petro-Perú's profitability. “The company had no direction; now it does. It now has a clear horizon; we know what we want,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of having a solid strategic vision to guide the company.

Narváez's previous experience in similar situations is notable. He recalled that in 2013 he took on the leadership of another company in crisis and managed to leave it with a market share of 53%. This experience, he believes, gives him the necessary confidence to face the current challenges of Petro-Perú, emphasizing the importance of implementing common sense and logic in management.

The new president also referred to his initial proposal for the recovery of Petro-Perú, which is 85% complete and is expected to be ready for presentation to the board, as well as to the Minister of Economy and Finance, José Arista, and Congress in the coming days. This proposal is seen as a crucial first step for implementing strategies that ensure the company's viability.

Although only a short period has passed since he took office, Narváez emphasized that he has managed to develop an initial understanding of the company's situation. He acknowledged that ten days are not enough to have a complete grasp of Petro-Perú's complexity, but he trusts that his experience and preparation will allow him to make informed decisions in the short term.

The business community and shareholders of Petro-Perú are on the lookout for Narváez's next moves. His proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility for the company's results will be crucial in building trust and stability in an industry that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.

In a context where state-owned companies are scrutinized for their management and effectiveness, Narváez's promise not to depend on the state and to seek internal solutions could mark a significant change in the perception of how public companies are managed in the country. If he manages to meet his objectives, he could not only save Petro-Perú but also set a precedent for leadership capacity in the state sector.

As the first semester of 2025 approaches, the results of his management will become the main indicator of success or failure, a challenge that Narváez has accepted with clarity and determination. The pressure is on him, and time will tell if his vision and strategy are sufficient to guide Petro-Perú towards a more prosperous future.