I-Comm Week 2007 - Speaker Bio

Larry Thomas
Manager of Government and Industry, Americas
BP Shipping         

Larry Thomas is the Manager of Government and Industry – Americas, for BP Shipping. In this role, he serves as the key interface for the company with media, regulators, external stakeholders and the shipping industry for the Americas and parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Guam. BP Shipping provides management of marine transport of crude oil, natural gas and refined petrochemical shipments for the BP Group throughout the world.

As an officer in the United States Navy, Larry has nearly 25 years of shipboard experience, including service aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, a guided-missile cruiser, and as a staff officer for the Navy’s ballistic missile submarine fleet while on active duty. He currently holds the rank of Captain in the United States Naval Reserve.

He gained significant public and government affairs experience in the public sector as Chief of Public Information for the city of Jacksonville, Florida, and as Chief of Staff for the Fire and Rescue Department. 

In 2000, Larry joined BP as the Director of Government and Public Affairs for BP’s Gulf of Mexico deepwater businesses. Prior to joining BP Shipping in 2006, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of BP’s businesses in the Gulf of Mexico.

Larry was born in Taylors, SC. He is a 1978 graduate of Riverside High School, and a 1983 graduate of the University of South Carolina. He also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University in Georgia.

Larry and his wife Marie live in Katy, TX. They have three children.