Formigli, a Rio de Janeiro native and engineer by training, has more than 30 years' experience in the oil and gas business, starting at Petrobras in 1983. In 2012, he assumed the position as director of exploration and production before stepping down earlier this year. He has broad experience in well construction, subsea and topsides engineering as well as planning, designing, implementing and operating production systems in shallow, deep and ultra-deep waters.

While supervising all domestic E&P activities at Petrobras, he oversaw a 5 percent increase in output, an annual reserve replacement of more than 100 percent, a more than 10 percent gain in operational efficiency and an annual capital spending budget of USD 25 billion.

"José is extremely capable and knowledgeable and will provide invaluable advice in guiding our technological and strategic direction," said Aker Solutions' Chief Executive Officer Luis Araujo. "We are delighted to have him join our team. His input as a former operator and strong track record in the offshore and deepwater market will be of immense value."

As a member of the innovation board, Formigli will advise on the company's strategic direction for its research and investments. The innovation board is headed by Araujo.

Formigli, 55, currently runs his own company, Forsea Engenharia. He has an engineering degree from Instituto Militar de Engenharia (IME) and an MBA from UFRJ/COPPEAD in Rio de Janeiro.