Pablo González was born on June 13, 1968, in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina. He is a lawyer and politician who served as president of YPF between 2021 and 2023. Before leading the state-controlled energy company, he held several public offices in Santa Cruz, including provincial deputy, national senator, and vice governor.
He studied Law at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata and later completed a specialization in Hydrocarbons Law at the Universidad Austral. His professional trajectory combines legal training with long-standing involvement in provincial and national politics.
Leadership at YPF
González assumed the presidency of YPF in 2021, during a period marked by efforts to expand production in Vaca Muerta, the major unconventional oil and gas formation located in Neuquén province. During his tenure, the company focused on increasing output and attracting investment to strengthen upstream operations.
Following the change of national government in late 2023, González resigned along with other senior executives, in what was described as part of a customary institutional transition in large corporations linked to public ownership.
Since leaving the company, González has publicly questioned the current management of YPF. He has expressed concerns about rising debt levels, asset sales, and what he characterizes as structural profitability challenges. In his statements, he has argued that the expansion of Vaca Muerta production is the result of long-term investment decisions and not solely attributable to the current administration.
Political career in Santa Cruz
Before his appointment at YPF, González had an extensive political career in Santa Cruz under the Partido Justicialista. He served in provincial government roles including Subsecretary of Resources, Chief of Cabinet, and Minister of Government. Between 2010 and 2015 he was a provincial deputy and later a national senator.
In 2015 he was elected vice governor of Santa Cruz, serving until 2019. He subsequently held a seat in the Chamber of Deputies of the Nation until 2021, when he stepped down to lead YPF. After his resignation from the company in 2023, he returned to legislative activity.
Public positions and current role
González frequently participates in public debates on Argentine energy policy. His commentary often focuses on financial sustainability, investment strategy, and the long-term development of Vaca Muerta. He has also voiced opposition to policies implemented by the current national administration.
With experience spanning provincial governance, national legislation, and executive leadership at Argentina’s largest energy company, González remains an active figure in political and energy-sector discussions.
