Guest User My deepest condolences to Tina & the Families. It is so sad to learn Ian is no more with us. I recall my first meeting with Ian, that was during my station in singapore in 1990. Since then we always enjoyed our relationship whrerever, whenever we meet together. Ian was so humble, so nice gentleman who has a great leadership as well as compassions and sincere respect for others. I miss you, Ian so much. May you rest in peace. kiyoshi Homma
Singapore . Ian is a friend, mentor & boss to me. I spent a lot of value time with him when he ran the Singapore office in the early 90's. The most intense periods were when we spent about a week on each trip to each of the Sinopec refineries at Maoming, Guangzhou, Gaoqiao, Dalian #7 among others. These were times when China was just opening up and the environment at these sites were quite basic. Our gracious Chinese hosts tried their level best to keep us entertained after work with food, food, food and Maotai. Imagine a 30 course breakfast every morning. We ate many kind of exotic food and I remember vividly at a dinner banquet in Zhanjiang where we were served roasted sparrows with the bird's head still intact. When our host asked whether he likes it, Ian always trying to blend in said its nice and he ended up with many more roasted sparrows. I sadistically joked about how the sparrow head resemble Ian's in term of its baldness. Let me share with you a secret of why Ian lost his hair very young and I told him my theory as well. When under pressure he rubbed his head clockwise violently and this happened very often with the stress we all experienced in the oil trading business. Ian is great in adapting naturally to the cultures of the people he met any where around the world. So everyone always treat him as part of them. He genuinely want to know people well and is very generous with his time and sincerely always want to help people across all walk of life. I learnt a lot by just observing Ian over the decades. Ian is always very optimistic about things and encourages me to pursue whatever I think is the right thing to do for the company. Saw Ian several times during his illness and the last time was on 9 March 2020. Its sad to see a man of such calibre with such humanity in him leave us so soon. Ian, I will miss you dearly. Please rest in peace. Hui Meng.
Ian is the one who passed the offer letter to me in Hong kong harbour view hotel in 1993. Without this chance, I dont know where am I now. I always tell people , ian is the boss who knows how to deal with China customers as a foreigner which is not easy at all. Mr. Taylor , I will never forget you give me the chance in my life and I will miss y...
Almost everyone who has had the privilege to cross paths with Ian Taylor, has an anecdote to tell. It might be about his astounding memory, his humility, his humour or his boisterous personality which instantly sparks energy into any gathering, and intelligence into any conversation. We have had so many exchanges over the time I spent in Vitol, and...
Some 25 years ago. Ian was my boss. I followed him ran around China when the country opened to foreign investors. He was warmly known as 袁太乐. A big shot. A deal maker. This is in the early 90's. Roads to infrastructure sites were bumpy and often dirty paths. Visiting refineries means staying in simple guest houses with basic facilities and foo...
Singapore .
Working in Singapore, I did not have the chance meet with Ian as often as one would have liked. Unfortunately those meetings would be limited usually to once or twice a year during the APPEC conference. Watching Ian work the room, you could not help but be amazed how he would remember people names and even their wives' and kids' names! I think Ian ...
Dearest Ian, I received news of your passing with a very heavy heart. You've been our inspirational leader, and a shining example of how we ought to live our life with humility and humanity. I'm always amazed at how you can remember all our names whenever you visit Singapore and your ever willingness to strike up a friendly conversation with any c...
Jing H Goh The first time I met Ian was at my last round of interview for a job in Vitol, that was early 1994. I could hear his voice from the corridor of old Vitol office at Thongsia building way before he walked into the room. Then came in Ian with his trade mark dress code, with belt buckle probably above his belly button, white shirt n tie. Although the interview did not take too long, Ian was such Amazing person just listening to him talking about the company n it’s future. At the end of it, Ian said: ‘I can’t pay you as much as your previous job, but there will be growth in Vitol, it will be one of the best company you have ever worked in’. I took the job having the thought that what could go wrong with a boss like Ian! Indeed, under the leadership of Ian, Vitol has become the best, oil trading company in the world. A dynamic person that full of life and ample energy, never seemed to be running out of gas. Ian has nvm made any one feel less important in the company. He knew exactly what each one of us is doing. To Ian, everyone in Vitol is the heartbeat of the company. It is great sadness to learn of Ian’s passing, it is just too soon and too young. Most of us from Vitol owe it to Ian for what we are today. My deepest condolences to the family. A great leader as Ian, with kindness and humanity can never be forgotten, he will be dearly missed. may his soul Rest In Peace. Jing hwee
Ian is an inspiring leader. He believed in me more than I had believed in myself. He saw the potential in me higher than I could realise myself. After my first meeting with Ian, in a cafe at Novotel Orchid Inn with Hui Meng by his side, he invited me to join Vitol. I did not take up the offer because I had self doubt whether I could live up to his ...
My thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. I read with awe Mr Taylor's hard work, his drive, his passion, his contributions in making Vitol what it is today, an amazing accomplishment. Am proud to be a part of Vitol today. Mr Taylor will be in our hearts and memories forever. Wishing you strength and peace during ...
The one memory that stands out most for me is at the 50th celebration in Dubai when Ian took the stage to address everyone on the opening afternoon. The entire room bar no one gave him a standing ovation for what seemed like minutes. The fact that a room full of over a thousand people, gathered from all over the world, each with their own individua...
Ian is very well respected and loved in Vitol. People who know him has found memories of Ian. He is a legend in the Industry. Met Ian a few time in Singapore and London. What amazes me most was that he remembers your name and family history. And makes a point to connect even for a few minutes despite his busy schedule. My condolences to the fami...
Dear Ian, To the most dynamic man I have the fortune to meet. Your sharp wit and energetic personality will be deeply missed. Truly honored to have known you. I believe your memories will stay on with all the people you have touched in your life. It will, for me. Rest in peace, Kc
Will always remember Ian for his vibrant energy in all my encounters. Even after battling illness, in Dubai he is still full of beans and thriving! Thank you Ian for your dedication, brilliant leadership and amazing fighting spirit that we will all miss! May you rest in peace!
I heard the sad news from Hui Ming during lunch and had to leave the table as I could not hold back my tears,Ian supported me from the beginning and believed in all my crazy ideas,he was a wonderful person and a great friend even in difficult time ,I will missed him so much
I first met Ian in London in February 2008 when I attended an interview with the then Vitol CFO, Sam Lambroza. Considering the fact it was IP Week, I was really surprised to see Ian make time for the interview and to say hello! Over the years, I had the privilege to meet up with Ian multiple times. His enthusiasm and dedication to the business is...
I am deeply sadden to hear of Ian’s passing and my heartfelt condolences to his family. Although I have had only few causal encounters with Ian whenever he visited the Singapore office, he always made such short exchanges very personal and interesting. I still can reminisce my first Vitol APPEC reception in 2014 in the Raffles Hotel ballroom at s...
It was a pity that my encounters with Ian had always been brief, so I have heard a lot more about Ian than I have personally experienced with him. I heard about his amazing memory with names- I wonder if he'd remember mine... I heard about him being extremely customer focused - always encouraging front liners to build strong rapport with custo...
My deepest condolences to Tina and the family. I may not have met Ian in person, but the stories of his character, leadership and work ethics were very inspirational and ever motivating for a young TA like myself. May you rest in peace.
When the news of our Chairman Ian passing on reached my inbox, I knew that the company will be dearly missing a Great Leader. Ian is an inspiration to all in the company and the impact he leaves behind will be dearly missed. It amazes me that whenever I am at Industry engagements, counterparties who have interacted with Ian will recognise the goo...
Dear Tina I am truly sorry for the loss of a great exemplary leader. I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of Ian rest in heavenly peace. May my prayers ease you and your family through this difficult time. Take care
泰勒先生是我敬重的老板。总是微笑并鼓励每一个同事，总是有新的想法来打动每一个成员，从而创造了维多过去辉煌业绩。怀念泰勒先生，感恩泰勒先生！
A hurricane of a personality. His booming voice precedes him as he spins through the trading floor on his occasional visits to the Singapore office. Everything in his path is thrown into the air as he reaches out to every person and exhorts him or her to do more, to do better for the company. No one was too junior for him to speak to, defining the ...
Always look forward to sneaking a few admiration glimpses of Ian at the yearly pre-Appec greeting in VAS office. It was especially motivational seeing your extraordinary stature, wide smile and hearing you speak with vigor and humor, and that makes me feel proud to be part of Vitol family, under your care. Grateful to Ian for everything that I...
I am deeply saddened by the news of Ian passing on. Throughout my stay in Vitol, I have had many brief encounters with Ian especially when he visits Singapore during APPEC. Whenever he is here, you will know as there are lots of buzz in the office. This great inspirational leader will make an effort to walk around the office and say hi to everyone....
I first met Ian in 1983 over lunch in Singapore when he was with Shell. His engaging and charming personality struck me, he joined Vitol one year ahead of me and we then worked together for 18 years. A man of tremendous talents and ability, he was very approachable and humble. What stood out the most to me was his boundless energy that very few peo...
Whenever Ian was in Singapore office, it always seemed the whole atmosphere became brighter, and it usually took less than few seconds to start hearing his cheerful laughter and loud voice greeting every single persons in the office. I was really impressed and in awe the first time he greeted me 10 years ago, and with Hui Meng introduced me as the ...
I didn't have the chance to personally know Mr Taylor, but heard a lot about him within Vitol world as well as from outside. I remember first time read about Mr Taylor on an article about Vitol's deal in Libya. By that time, I was still new to this commodity world and just about to know Vitol. I am grateful now have become a member of this family w...
I never have had the privilege to get to know Ian at a more personal level but his reputation, like his voice, precedes him. Like many others, our interactions have been limited to seeing him work the open air crowd at the Raffles Hotel during many an APPEC cocktail, with an energy and accessibility that many have spoken about, and a few aspire tow...
My deepest condolences to Tina and the Family My deepest memory of Ian will be during one of his visit to Singapore when I join the company. He was merely making his round when he could notice a broker was being rude to me and trying to take advantage over the voice box. It's amazing how Ian manage to clearly sense the situation just by being ther...
I am a new joiner to Vitol and prior impression of Mr Taylor was inferred from comments heard from ex colleagues from different companies on his competence in this field of work. After joining, I am privileged to see the motivational, entrepreneurial and non biased culture he has built up over here. I am particularly touched/impressed after attendi...
I have fond memories of Ian for the vibrant atmosphere he brings whenever he steps into the Vitol Asia office and making sure he shakes everyone's hand. Another occasion I remember very clearly with Ian was when Vitol Asia celebrated our 30th Anniversary in Bali. Ian & his family was there for the Gala dinner dressed in traditional Balinese costume...
It is with extreme sadness that I learnt that Ian is no longer with us. His energy, humility, compassion, humour and camaraderie were always a source of great inspiration for me. Too see him early in the morning in the Singapore office after a long overnight flight from London literally bubbling over with vigour and enthusiasm, greeting people by...
There wasn’t that many encounters and interactions with Ian, but in those few moments, he had already come across as someone who is so full of energy, so humble and so remarkable. I have always heard about his amazing ability with names and have seen that for myself each time he visited the Singapore office. He had given so much to this company and...
We always see a cheerful Ian whenever visiting Singapore office. Thank you for being a friendly and approachable big boss. You will be missed forever and always. The little chat you shared with us will always speak of a great person that you were. Rest in peace up in the heaven!
Ian was a great man and a legend in our generation! Ian's great attributes like great leader, smart, humbleness, great energy, agility and many many more....had always been an inspiration to me since joining Vitol. I was lucky to have some moments with him during meetings/events and, his "big" presence had always never been intimidating but present...
Ian has been a great leader and motivator of the company, his energetic voice and big smile supported me all the time. I had great time with him during his stays in Tokyo several occasions. His schedule was always very tight and packed, since he is very popular man even in the East end of the world... still he never lose energy during his stay. Ver...
Dear Tina and family, It is with great sadness that Ian has left us and please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for your personal loss. Ian had made a great impact in the lives of all who had the privilege of working in Vitol. I am no exception. On a personal anecdote, Ian and Hui Meng interviewed me in 1994 for a position in Crude Ope...
Dear Tina, I thank the Lord for the blessings and tremendous privilege that I have received through Ian and the Vitol community, which Ian had passionately and wholeheartedly led and served. Ian s work and his heart for people have touched and uplifted many lives positively. Behind Ian, I believe the support he had from yourself must have been ke...
Mike Muller The Vitol Asia family past and present convened by video this Friday at Hui Meng's behest to remember Ian. It was a moving occasion, with many of the 190+ participants sharing their recollections of his exploits here in Asia over the past 4 decades. Tina and family .. my deepest condolences. But also thank you for enabling Ian to be the inspirational boss and public figure he was. One anecdote of many - when I first faced Ian in a negotiation he tried to sell me a cargo of some exotic crude I had figured out Vitol didn't (yet) possess. I could have done the deal in the hope of booking out later at a profit, but I was bearish too. And Ian's reputation was such that setting up for confrontation seemed a bad idea. We left things with me saying 'hey mate, no way you're front-running me!' and for the next two decades Ian would announce me above a crowd as 'oh no, here comes impossible Muller', or nicer variants thereof. He went beyond flattery, building authentic and lasting rapport with thousands of individuals across our industry by reserving space in his brain to keep up to date on people's personal milestones: I vividly recall him cracking jokes about me at what must have been the same 6-8 events every year and he would never repeat the same jibe. Such social mastery saw the word "Ian" become a brand in our trading world, synonymous with Vitol. Only after joining I came to appreciate that networking was just one piece of a comprehensive leadership package our formidable, but always modest front-man deployed to motivate so many colleagues to achieve great things. We will do our utmost to keep doing so in your memory Ian.
My most vivid memory of Ian was when I was still a wet behind the ears analyst on the iron ore desk. Ian was in Singapore for APPEC and he used to make an appearance round the office before everything kicked off. You would definitely hear him way before you saw him and what stuck with me the most is that he bothered to greet everyone by name. As an...
My deepest condolences to Taylor family. I had a few opportunities to see Mr. Taylor by good fortune. Every time I was so impressed by his knowledgeable conversation and friendly personality. Our industry lost the greatest leader but I am sure Mr. Taylor’s children at Vitol succeed his will. Mr. Taylor, rest in peace. Keitaro Sugihara
Ian, Rip my friend, I shall always cherish the precious moments of our journey. We started in SEPL, in Shell london(for less than 2 week), and then in Vitol in 1988. You were always approachable, energetic and bubbly. Always creative and comfortable to engage with, you will always be fondly remembered and your presence, missed. Thank you, Ian, fo...
Someone may have left us, but memory never. Joined Vitol in the early 90's, I never know it has been such a honor to have worked with Ian when he started his trip to China, first Zhuhai then Beijing. Ian is a great leader to the company, at the same time also a good friend to those who have had the chance to work with him. I believe we all have...
It is a moment of extreme sadness to lose our beloved leader. Ian was the heart and soul of the Vitol family, a family I am proud of being a part of. He had the unique ability to connect with each and every one of us (right from the first day one joined the firm), and would remember even the minutest of personal details years later. I had the priv...
Deeply sadden to hear of Ian's passing and condolences of Tina and Family. I met Ian when I was just an analyst on the crude desk back in 2013. A truly inspirational leader and one that has built the foundation of where Vitol is today. I hope that we can continue his legacy by taking Vitol to greater heights and importantly keep the same working ...
I had the honour to meet Ian before I joined Vitol during APPEC, right in Vitol’s party. Through a short conversation with him in a group setting, was deeply touched by his friendly engagement while I was a junior in the industry. And without any surprise to all, he was able to remember my name when he saw me in the Singapore office. After joining ...
Ian was a person that magically had a time for everybody, you could always talk to him even if it was just briefly. He managed to convey confidence, fairness and friendship; and transferred those qualities to the greater Vitol brand. Lucky company! I have met many people working for him over the years and I was always impressed by how impressed the...
L N Sastri D We at IndianOil here are deeply saddened with the sad news of passing away of Mr. Ian Roper Taylor. He was a great human being first apart from his other qualities, amongst all in the industry I came across in my 37 years of service and I fondly remember him as a very affectionate senior colleague from oil industry. I still remember when I first met him in 1998 in a conference in Abu Dhabi and ever since whenever he saw me in any conference crowd he would make it a point to trace me and say hello and make enquiries of my personal wellbeing and if I was happy with my job before asking about what's news from India. I was pleasantly surprised when he recognised me when he saw me in APPEC in 2015 after nearly 10 years gap during which I was in domestic marketing assignments. When I mentioned he had a great memory and remembered my name, he said one can never forget true friends and he said when you recognised me as IAN , why do you embarrass me asking how I remembered your name ? Though my interaction was very limited with great IAN, his untimely loss has brought tears in my eyes and that was the way he touched in my limited acquaintance with the "True Gentleman". He will always be in my memories. He has achieved a lot professionally, it could be at the cost of family time but when he was retreating to relax with his beloved family as he once said, the clock stopped. May be he has done his due in this small world and almighty has planned his heavenly abode. RIP. My sincere condolences to Ian's immediate family and entire VITOL family on the loss of a tall leader of the energy trading community. I will miss IAN. Regards DLN Sastri
My memories of Ian are few but they are all fond beginning with the first time i met him in 2007 when i had just joined Vitol as a Crude Trading Analyst fresh from school. Ian actually took the effort to walk over to my desk and said to me "oh so you are the new analyst. its a simple job!" He treated everyone one of us equally regardless of our rol...
Whenever I hear of Ian’s visitation to SIN office, my eyes automatically glitter and smile broadens, for I know I would be greeted with Ian’s warm, affectionate, energetic voice and laughter. Ian holds a special place in many of our small hearts. He has always been my inspiration to draw energy from such a charismatic leader! It pains me of your ...
A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves - Eleanor Roosevelt. While we say goodbye to a stalwart of our industry, these words resonate strong. I first met Ian in 2013 in Singapore where without any introduction, he addressed me not by my official name but by my...
Ian was a courageous leader and a great visionary. The strong leader is very much instrumental in bringing Vitol to the heights where it is today. Many folks from the industry have been calling, sharing their grief and giving their condolences. This shows the respect people had for Ian from our industry. I first met Ian during the Vitol Party in ...
They say an obituary in the Times newspaper is only written for extraordinary men. It’s even more extraordinary that after reading it, I think it doesn’t actually do him justice. The Ian I know and met, is even greater than the man described. Sure, it describes how he built a global trading powerhouse, how he impresses everyone he meets with h...
There was always a buzz whenever Ian visited the Singapore office. You would hear his loud voice and that high level of energy. This was the CEO of Vitol, and he made effort to shake hands with every staff and ask how they are - it truly made an indelible impression on someone who just started out working. Later, interactions were more close-up whe...
Dear Ian, I wish to say I am proud to be working in Vitol under your helm. Your drive and energy have been extraordinary, and you have always been an inspiration to us all. The person that you were, the sincerity which you have showed, and what you have accomplished will always be remembered. I am glad to have the opportunity to work under you. ...
Whenever Ian came down to Singapore, he never fail to pop over to the Reception to greet everyone. His hearty and warm handshake will always brighten up my day. He was a humble, friendly and caring leader. My deepest condolences to the Taylor family. Rest in Peace, Ian Doreen Ng
Dear Ian, You are always in our hearts and will remain forever. We miss you and your charisma. God Give you peace and bless your soul. Regards to the Taylor Family.
Patrick Loh Ian, you are still deeply missed. It had been a privilege to have worked in the company led by you and to have known you, your humour and your kindness
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Joined Vitol in London in 1985 from Shell. Came to Vitol Singapore to head it at the end of 1990 and stayed on till 1995 before being recalled to London to succeed Ton Vonk as President of Vitol Group. He had an earlier stint working for Shell Singapore in the early 1980’s before he went back to Shell London and shortly thereafter joined Vitol there. 2 of his children were born in Singapore. Ian ... more
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