The national oil companies still want to acquire some expertise so they will outsource more, but not totally.

Gould started his career at Schlumberger in 1975 in the company's Internal Audit department in Paris. Before joining Schlumberger he had worked for Ernst & Young. Gould received his degree in Economic History from the University of Wales Cardiff.

Following his retirement from Schlumberger Ltd. Andrew Frederick James Gould (born 17 December 1946) is a British businessman the former chairman of Schlumberger a global oilfield services company supplying technology information solutions and integrated project management. Gould is serving as non-executive chairman of the British oil company BG Group.