Shahrom Muhammad Yusuf
Head of Marketing & Sales ( Methanol, Aromatics & MTBE ), Petronas
Shahrom graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, has spent over 21 years of his experience covering various chemicals products with international exposure where he initiated a new PETRONAS MITCO office in Dubai, UAE and in charge of trading portfolio for chemicals from 2003 till 2007. From there on, he was exposed to various business development, c...
Shahrom graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, has spent over 21 years of his experience covering various chemicals products with international exposure where he initiated a new PETRONAS MITCO office in Dubai, UAE and in charge of trading portfolio for chemicals from 2003 till 2007. From there on, he was exposed to various business development, corporate strategy, growth projects, sales, marketing and supply distribution functions before being promoted as Head of Sales & Operations (Olefins, Glycols & Derivatives) in 2012.
Currently, he oversees the overall business strategy for Methanol, MTBE, Aromatics and Olefins business. In addition, he also serves as a Managing Board Member of BRB International BV and Board Director of PETRONAS Chemical Methanol Sdn Bhd.
Greg Dolan
CEO, Methanol Institute
Greg Dolan has held a variety of senior management positions with the Methanol Institute over the past 23 years. In June 2014, he was appointed as permanent CEO of the global methanol industry trade association, after serving as Acting CEO for four years. Mr. Dolan manages MI’s offices in Washington, Singapore, Brussels and Beijing, while directing international government...
Greg Dolan has held a variety of senior management positions with the Methanol Institute over the past 23 years. In June 2014, he was appointed as permanent CEO of the global methanol industry trade association, after serving as Acting CEO for four years. Mr. Dolan manages MI’s offices in Washington, Singapore, Brussels and Beijing, while directing international governmental relations, media relations, public education and outreach efforts. He has presented papers on methanol-related topics at over 100 international conferences, authored magazine articles, and written book chapters on the methanol industry. Mr. Dolan came to MI after spending a decade in a variety of public information positions in New York State, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation, and the Energy Research and Development Authority. Mr. Dolan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University, and did extensive post graduate work in Political Communication at the State University of New York-Albany.
Denis Arguin
VP Commercial Development, Enerkem
Denis Arguin is responsible to bring Enerkem’s commercial opportunities across the globe to project execution readiness through collaboration with Enerkem’s business partners.
Mr. Arguin brings over 30 years of experience in industrial process/product development, new technology commercialisation, engineering and operational management experience. He led over 20 plant sta...
Denis Arguin is responsible to bring Enerkem’s commercial opportunities across the globe to project execution readiness through collaboration with Enerkem’s business partners.
Mr. Arguin brings over 30 years of experience in industrial process/product development, new technology commercialisation, engineering and operational management experience. He led over 20 plant start-ups across the globe in a wide range of industries from oil & gas refining, petrochemicals, biofuels, process minerals and metallurgy. Mr. Arguin held several management roles in Canada, USA and Europe with increasing responsibility, including Gulf Canada, Union Carbide, Kemtec (now Parachem), Minerals Technologies, Technologies Orbite and CelluForce.
Mr. Arguin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering as well as an Executive MBA from Western University in London, Ontario.
Dave McCaskill
Vice President, Methanol and Derivatives Service, Argus
Dave McCaskill has been invested in the petrochemical industry for over 35 years. Beginning his long career with Celanese Chemical in 1975, Dave started as a chemical engineer at their Pampa, Texas plant, and steadily progressed through a series of positions ranging from planning, supply chain, field sales and marketing within the organization. Noted positions included Bus...
Dave McCaskill has been invested in the petrochemical industry for over 35 years. Beginning his long career with Celanese Chemical in 1975, Dave started as a chemical engineer at their Pampa, Texas plant, and steadily progressed through a series of positions ranging from planning, supply chain, field sales and marketing within the organization. Noted positions included Business Manager Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol and the last several years with the company as Business Manager Methanol & Derivatives. In 2000, Dave moved into the consulting sector and worked with another leading industry consulting organization, heading their Global Methanol service for 10 years. Joining DeWitt & Company in 2010, as Vice President Methanol & Derivatives, Dave continues to be focused on all commercial aspects of the methanol industry—supply, demand, capacity, pricing, cost structure, etc. Dave graduated from the University of Kansas, with a degree in chemical engineering, in 1975.
Steve Hirsh
Managing Director, Business Development, Proman
Steve Hirsh is Managing Director Business Development and is the head of business development for Proman, globally.
Steve has spent his entire career focused on the origination, development, and financing of energy infrastructure projects world-wide, as well as global mergers and acquisitions and structured financing transactions.
Steve has worked for over 10 years at P...
Steve Hirsh is Managing Director Business Development and is the head of business development for Proman, globally.
Steve has spent his entire career focused on the origination, development, and financing of energy infrastructure projects world-wide, as well as global mergers and acquisitions and structured financing transactions.
Steve has worked for over 10 years at Proman in Houston, Texas and another 13 years developing energy infrastructure projects in the Americas, Europe and Asia, while at private equity and energy companies located both in Hong Kong and Houston. Steve sits on the Boards of Varennes Carbon Recycling, Malta Inc., and the Methanol Institute. Steve holds a Masters of Business Administration from Duke, Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina, U.S.A., and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Johannes Bogren
VP Marketing and Sales Sodra Cell Bioproducts, Sodra
Johannes Bogren is VP Södra Cell Bioproducts, a division of the Södra Group which includes the company’s range of tall oil, turpentine and biomethanol from renewable responsibly managed Swedish forests, as well as textile pulp. Johannes has overseen the development and launch of the innovative Liquid Forest™ range to the market, all of which are made using materials genera...
Johannes Bogren is VP Södra Cell Bioproducts, a division of the Södra Group which includes the company’s range of tall oil, turpentine and biomethanol from renewable responsibly managed Swedish forests, as well as textile pulp. Johannes has overseen the development and launch of the innovative Liquid Forest™ range to the market, all of which are made using materials generated by Södra’s pulp production, replacing fossil-based materials with climate-smart alternatives. Johannes is an instrumental driver within Södra of innovation for a more sustainable future. He was previously Södra’s Product Manager Director and before that the Technical Product Manager for textile pulp.
A chemical engineer, Johannes has a PhD from Chalmers University of Technology.
Rebecca Boudreaux
Chief Executive, Oberon Fuels
Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D. is President and Chief Executive Officer of Oberon Fuels. Oberon is the first company in the world to commercialize renewable DME (rDME), as a straightforward way to both slash the CO2 emissions of the huge propane industry, and transport renewable hydrogen more efficiently and cost effectively. In addition to building the world’s first commercial ...
Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D. is President and Chief Executive Officer of Oberon Fuels. Oberon is the first company in the world to commercialize renewable DME (rDME), as a straightforward way to both slash the CO2 emissions of the huge propane industry, and transport renewable hydrogen more efficiently and cost effectively. In addition to building the world’s first commercial rDME production plant, Dr. Boudreaux has driven first commercial sales of propane blended with DME. In addition, she has secured partnerships with and/or investments from industry leaders around the world including Suburban Propane, Lipigas, SHV Energy, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, and Ford. Dr. Boudreaux has performed research at MIT, Princeton University, and National Starch and Chemical. She earned a B.S. in Polymer Science (magna cum laude, University of Southern Mississippi) and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering (University of Massachusetts).
Pernille Saugmann
Senior Business Development Manager, A.P. Moller Maersk
Pernille is Senior Business Development Manager of Decarbonization Green Fuels Sourcing at Maersk and is working on projects to decarbonise shipping with a focus on future marine fuels and is heading the negotiations of the commercial agreements for green methanol. Before joining the Decarbonization department of Maersk, Pernille worked for Maersk Oil Trading for 8 years w...
Pernille is Senior Business Development Manager of Decarbonization Green Fuels Sourcing at Maersk and is working on projects to decarbonise shipping with a focus on future marine fuels and is heading the negotiations of the commercial agreements for green methanol. Before joining the Decarbonization department of Maersk, Pernille worked for Maersk Oil Trading for 8 years within Business Development and Origination focusing on fuel sourcing projects and commercial tolling agreements. Prior to working for Maersk, she worked for Equinor for 6 years in roles within business development, in production planning at Equinor’s oil refinery in Denmark and in the US, where she worked with up- and midstream projects in North America on new crude oil projects. Pernille holds two master degrees, one in International Management and Economics from HEC in Paris and one in Economics from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark.
Jason Chesko
Global Market Development & Head of Methanol Marine Fuels, Methanex
Jason Chesko has been involved in various initiatives globally to support methanol demand growth into marine fuels and other fuel applications. Jason has been involved in methanol marine fuels since its initial commercialization, including the Stena Germanica ferry conversion to methanol in 2015, and Waterfront Shipping’s adoption of methanol-fueled ocean tankers that wer...
Jason Chesko has been involved in various initiatives globally to support methanol demand growth into marine fuels and other fuel applications. Jason has been involved in methanol marine fuels since its initial commercialization, including the Stena Germanica ferry conversion to methanol in 2015, and Waterfront Shipping’s adoption of methanol-fueled ocean tankers that were first delivered in 2016. Mr. Chesko currently vice-chairs the Methanol Institute’s Global Marine Fuels Committee, was the former Chair of the Methanol Institute’s Global Vehicle Fuels Committee, and he sits on various other industry committees.
Based in Vancouver, Canada, Mr. Chesko has been with Methanex since 2002. Prior to his current role, Mr. Chesko led Methanex’s Investor Relations function and held positions in Corporate Development, where he worked on various growth projects and new business initiatives. Mr. Chesko graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce and completed an MBA degree at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He also holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Mark Aufmuth
Head of Low Carbon & Cross-Commodity Origination, BP
A twelve-year bp veteran in upstream, trading and shipping business units, Mark successfully served as offshore engineer in the Gulf of Mexico, natural gas scheduler, cash trader, and director of structured products. Before beginning his career at bp, Mark sailed internationally as a marine engineer on LNG tankers. Mark holds a reserve commission as a Lieutenant in the US ...
A twelve-year bp veteran in upstream, trading and shipping business units, Mark successfully served as offshore engineer in the Gulf of Mexico, natural gas scheduler, cash trader, and director of structured products. Before beginning his career at bp, Mark sailed internationally as a marine engineer on LNG tankers. Mark holds a reserve commission as a Lieutenant in the US Navy and is an active member of bp’s Veterans Business Resource Group.
Mark received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center, where he studied at night while working full-time at bp, and is a licensed attorney. While in law school, Mark worked as a summer associate in the energy practice at Sidley Austin LLP, where he focused on energy project finance, bankruptcy, and environmental law. He received his Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2010.
Anita Gajadhar
Managing Director, Marketing, Logistics and Shipping, Proman
Anita Gajadhar is Managing Director of Proman Shipping and Managing Director of Marketing and Logistics for Proman.
In these roles, Ms Gajadhar develops and implements the company’s global shipping and marketing strategy and oversees all of its operations. Ms Gajadhar has over 18 years’ experience in the energy sector in Trinidad and Tobago and Europe and has worked for ...
Anita Gajadhar is Managing Director of Proman Shipping and Managing Director of Marketing and Logistics for Proman.
In these roles, Ms Gajadhar develops and implements the company’s global shipping and marketing strategy and oversees all of its operations. Ms Gajadhar has over 18 years’ experience in the energy sector in Trinidad and Tobago and Europe and has worked for companies in the Proman family for sixteen years.
Prior to her appointment to the role of Managing Director of Proman Shipping, Ms Gajadhar was Commercial Manager at Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited (MHTL), a leading player in the energy sector and also a member of the Proman family of companies.
Ms Gajadhar has been a member of the Methanol Institute Board of Directors since 2019, and is a member of the Boards of Helm Proman Methanol and Proman Stena Bulk Ltd.
Ms Gajadhar holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, a bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and Finance from the University of the West Indies and a Certificate in Maritime Law and Shipping Contracts.
Neville Fernandes
Manager, Renewable Jet Fuel, North America, Neste
Neville Fernandes has been a keen promoter and supporter of renewable fuels in USA and Canada for the past decade. He has managed the market development, sales and marketing teams at Neste US, Inc., that successfully commercialized renewable diesel in the USA and Canada several years ago. Neville has held many roles in Neste including General Manager and President of Nes...
Neville Fernandes has been a keen promoter and supporter of renewable fuels in USA and Canada for the past decade. He has managed the market development, sales and marketing teams at Neste US, Inc., that successfully commercialized renewable diesel in the USA and Canada several years ago. Neville has held many roles in Neste including General Manager and President of Neste US, Inc., and he is now focusing his efforts on commercializing renewable jet fuel. Neville is passionate in his belief that sustainable, low-carbon, biofuels are an important contributor to the responsible management of greenhouse gases and to the fight against climate change. He has presented and given testimony at numerous conferences and proceedings on renewable fuels. Neville is the Chairman Emeritus of the Advanced Biofuels Association based in Washington, DC.
Hassan Modarresi
Senior Licensing Technology Manager, Topsoe
Hassan Modarresi, with PhD in chemical engineering, has spent over 15 years in technology and catalyst development relevant to synthesis gas production and conversion. Hassan has been in various engineering and business development as well as commercial sales roles in Denmark and the Middle East. He also has experience in power to X and energy island project developments i...
Hassan Modarresi, with PhD in chemical engineering, has spent over 15 years in technology and catalyst development relevant to synthesis gas production and conversion. Hassan has been in various engineering and business development as well as commercial sales roles in Denmark and the Middle East. He also has experience in power to X and energy island project developments in Europe and East Asia. Currently, located in Houston, TX, he is responsible for TOPSOE’s blue and green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen technology licensing in North America.
Eli Philipp
Director Business Development & Sales, Thyssenkrupp
Eli Philipp is Director of Business Development & Sales for thyssenkrupp Uhde USA. With over 20 years of experience in development, operations, design and sales of syngas generation and conversion technologies including methanol, Eli has a background well suited to assisting customers during all stages of process and project development and execution. In his eight years wi...
Eli Philipp is Director of Business Development & Sales for thyssenkrupp Uhde USA. With over 20 years of experience in development, operations, design and sales of syngas generation and conversion technologies including methanol, Eli has a background well suited to assisting customers during all stages of process and project development and execution. In his eight years with thyssenkrupp Uhde, he has successfully leveraged the technology focused EPC's global organizational expertise to meet the needs of the local North American market.
Dennis Chafia
Manager Business Development, GIDARA Energy
Dennis Chafiâ is Manager of Business Development within G.I. Dynamics/GIDARA Energy and has been with these companies for 7 years. GIDARA Energy is focused on converting non-recyclable waste into advanced biofuels using patented gasification technologies. Dennis has majored in Organic Chemistry in Leiden, The Netherlands and has held several political functions during and ...
Dennis Chafiâ is Manager of Business Development within G.I. Dynamics/GIDARA Energy and has been with these companies for 7 years. GIDARA Energy is focused on converting non-recyclable waste into advanced biofuels using patented gasification technologies. Dennis has majored in Organic Chemistry in Leiden, The Netherlands and has held several political functions during and after his study. With both chemical and public experience, he focuses on new business, policy, and communications within GIDARA Energy.
Makbule Baldik
Regional Product Manager, MAN Energy Solutions
Makbule is a Regional Product Manager for MAN Energy Solutions, responsible for 2 stroke engine retrofit and upgrade projects in the Americas. Objectives in these projects vary from increasing engine reliability to saving fuel, from reducing emissions to extending component, engine or vessel life time. Decarbonization has been the primary focus thanks to the new regulation...
Makbule is a Regional Product Manager for MAN Energy Solutions, responsible for 2 stroke engine retrofit and upgrade projects in the Americas. Objectives in these projects vary from increasing engine reliability to saving fuel, from reducing emissions to extending component, engine or vessel life time. Decarbonization has been the primary focus thanks to the new regulations. She is also involved in Technology Demonstration projects funded by US government agencies. Makbule has been working for MAN since 2007, initially starting in Istanbul location and playing a fundamental role in establishing the workshop and the service business in that location. Prior experiences include working at at Celik Tekne Shipyard building MR Tankers and fishing vessels. Makbule holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Yildiz Technical University in Turkey.
Beau Berthelot
Director of Alternative Fuels, Maritime Partners LLC
Beau Berthelot, is the Vice President of Business Development and Director of Government Affairs for Maritime Partners (MP). Beau is responsible for leading business development efforts in the maritime industry’s energy transition space, including the Hydrogen One methanol to hydrogen fueled inland towboat. Beau is also instrumental interfacing with the executive and l...
Beau Berthelot, is the Vice President of Business Development and Director of Government Affairs for Maritime Partners (MP). Beau is responsible for leading business development efforts in the maritime industry’s energy transition space, including the Hydrogen One methanol to hydrogen fueled inland towboat. Beau is also instrumental interfacing with the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Beau recently joined MP after serving as Director of Business and Government Relations for Conrad Shipyards since 2016. There Mr. Berthelot lead business development efforts in providing marine solutions using alternative fuels and hybrid propulsion technologies. Beau’s previous experience includes positions as General Counsel for a marine engineering firm and as a practicing attorney. His government affairs experience also includes a role as Legislative Counsel to former Congressman Gene Taylor (MS-4). Mr. Berthelot holds a BS in Microbiology with a Minor in Chemistry as well as an MBA from Louisiana State University and JD from Tulane Law School.
Joel Thigpen
General Manager, General Manager, Global New Build Sales Program, Wartsila
Mr. Thigpen currently serves as General Manager, Marine New Build Sales, leading the US Sales team in
capturing new build opportunities with vessel owners, ship design companies, and shipyards. Joel
joined Wärtsilä in June 2015 as the US Sales Manager for Oil & Gas, and later was named General
Manager of Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling, where he focused his attention ...
Mr. Thigpen currently serves as General Manager, Marine New Build Sales, leading the US Sales team in
capturing new build opportunities with vessel owners, ship design companies, and shipyards. Joel
joined Wärtsilä in June 2015 as the US Sales Manager for Oil & Gas, and later was named General
Manager of Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling, where he focused his attention on leading the industry
transformation towards a Smart Offshore Ecosystem. Just prior to taking on his current role, Joel served
as the General Manager of Wärtsilä’s Global New Build Sales Program, leading global multi-functional
teams on complex strategic new build projects in various marine applications. Including his time at
Wärtsilä, Joel has served for over fifteen years in various Sales and Business Development capacities,
focused on the global offshore Oil & Gas market, which have included expat assignments in Aberdeen
Scotland and Dubai, while working for National Oilwell Varco. Prior to his time in the oilfield, Mr.
Thigpen served as a personnel officer in the United States Air Force.
Mr. Thigpen earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a concentration in Management from
the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fernando Santos
Senior Business Development Manager, Repsol
Fernando Santos is Senior Business Development Manager of the Industrial Division in Repsol. His main tasks are related to inorganic and organic initiatives to accelerate Repsol's industrial transformation. Fernando has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector in Repsol in different roles. Before joining the Industrial Division, he has worked in Corporate Strategy ...
Fernando Santos is Senior Business Development Manager of the Industrial Division in Repsol. His main tasks are related to inorganic and organic initiatives to accelerate Repsol's industrial transformation. Fernando has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector in Repsol in different roles. Before joining the Industrial Division, he has worked in Corporate Strategy and Business Development for gas and LNG projects.
Larry Navin
Director of Government and Public Affairs - Americas/Europe, Methanol Institute
Lawrence Navin joined the Methanol Institute in June 2013. Lawrence's background includes having worked for the US Chamber of Commerce's US-India Business Council, the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and in the US Senate. Lawrence’s role with MI includes managing the Institute’s government ...
Lawrence Navin joined the Methanol Institute in June 2013. Lawrence's background includes having worked for the US Chamber of Commerce's US-India Business Council, the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and in the US Senate. Lawrence’s role with MI includes managing the Institute’s government and public affairs activities in the Americas and Europe, and to direct the Institute’s communications and social media activities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Delaware, and a Master of Arts degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.
Adi Aggarwal
General Manager, Sea-LNG
Adi Aggarwal is the General Manager of SEA-LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition focusing on LNG as Marine Fuel. He is an accomplished Business Development Executive, Technical Leader, Registered Professional Engineer and a Project Management Professional with over two decades of diverse global experience in the Marine, Offshore and Subsea industries. He has spent the las...
Adi Aggarwal is the General Manager of SEA-LNG, a multi-sector industry coalition focusing on LNG as Marine Fuel. He is an accomplished Business Development Executive, Technical Leader, Registered Professional Engineer and a Project Management Professional with over two decades of diverse global experience in the Marine, Offshore and Subsea industries. He has spent the last decade developing and executing strategies aimed at expanding the gas business into new markets in the maritime and offshore sectors. Adi has been involved with several opportunities including but not limited to Floating LNG Liquefaction/Regasification in various emerging markets, LNG as Marine Fuel/Bunkering, Gas Carrier projects and alternate marine fuels.
Adi earned a Diploma in Marine Engineering from Singapore Polytechnic, followed by Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans, and an MBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. Adi is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Robert Meaney
Co-founder, Kaizen Clean Energy
Prior to Co-Founding Kaizen Clean Energy, Robert Meaney spent 15 years in the energy industry working in markets ranging from advisory/consulting, refining, specialty chemicals, and the natural gas midstream. In 2021, Kaizen Clean Energy was formed to help clients provide reliable energy and affordable hydrogen to support their ESG mandates. Currently KCE is deploying Meth...
Prior to Co-Founding Kaizen Clean Energy, Robert Meaney spent 15 years in the energy industry working in markets ranging from advisory/consulting, refining, specialty chemicals, and the natural gas midstream. In 2021, Kaizen Clean Energy was formed to help clients provide reliable energy and affordable hydrogen to support their ESG mandates. Currently KCE is deploying Methanol to Hydrogen microgrids in support of Zero Emission Vehicles and the replacement of diesel generators.
Siva Ariyapadi
Global Business Manager, Bioenergy, ExxonMobil
Siva Ariyapadi is Business Manager for the Bioenergy product vertical within ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions (LCS). In his current role, Siva is responsible for strategy & growth in establishing products & solutions within the Bioenergy platform. Before joining LCS, Siva was part of ExxonMobil Catalysts & Licensing team, advancing their lower emission fuels portfolio offer...
Siva Ariyapadi is Business Manager for the Bioenergy product vertical within ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions (LCS). In his current role, Siva is responsible for strategy & growth in establishing products & solutions within the Bioenergy platform. Before joining LCS, Siva was part of ExxonMobil Catalysts & Licensing team, advancing their lower emission fuels portfolio offer.
From 2013 - 2018, he was Director of Licensing – Americas for Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions. He also held various positions at Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc. from 2004 - 2013. Over the last 18 years, Siva has held lead roles in marketing & strategy, technology licensing, business management, and process engineering/technology development. He holds a doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Cory Phillips
Director of Engineering, Air Company
Dr. Cory Phillips, current Director of Engineering for Air Company in Brooklyn, NY, is a chemical engineer specializing in chemical reaction engineering (CRE) and heterogeneous catalysis with an undergraduate degree and post-doctoral credential from The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) along with a Ph.D from The University of Iowa. Most of his career has been focused on ...
Dr. Cory Phillips, current Director of Engineering for Air Company in Brooklyn, NY, is a chemical engineer specializing in chemical reaction engineering (CRE) and heterogeneous catalysis with an undergraduate degree and post-doctoral credential from The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) along with a Ph.D from The University of Iowa. Most of his career has been focused on the research, design and development of heterogeneous catalysts, reactors and processes that use and produce alternative fuels such as, ethers, alcohols, hydrogen and renewable hydrocarbons across multiple scales. Over the last 20 yrs, he has held engineering and leadership roles at Honda, ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66. Now, Dr. Phillips is embarking on some of his greatest technical challenges with Air Company by converting captured CO2 to alcohols in a single step providing a key enabling sustainability technology solution for the industrial and chemical processing sectors.
Michael Van Baarle
Chief Executive, Abel Energy
Michael van Baarle is the Co-founder and CEO of ABEL Energy. ABEL Energy is an Australian startup established in 2020 to develop green hydrogen and methanol production projects around Australia. The first project is under development at the Port of Bell Bay in the State of Tasmania. The Bell Bay Powerfuels Project will initially produce up to 200,000 tonnes of green methan...
Michael van Baarle is the Co-founder and CEO of ABEL Energy. ABEL Energy is an Australian startup established in 2020 to develop green hydrogen and methanol production projects around Australia. The first project is under development at the Port of Bell Bay in the State of Tasmania. The Bell Bay Powerfuels Project will initially produce up to 200,000 tonnes of green methanol per year, with some of the methanol potentially converted to DME for the local LPG industry.
Michael has been involved in methanol and DME project development for over 15 years, and previously sat on the board of the International DME Association. He shares the passion of many in the methanol industry that see an important role for green methanol in the energy transition
Rachel Meidl
Fellow, Energy & Environment
Dr. Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, is a distinguished fellow in energy and environment at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and a strategic advisor for Morgan Stanley Capital International. Her research focuses on sustainability; circular economy; life cycle management; environmental justice; safety and environmental regulations of the treatment, storage, ...
Dr. Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, is a distinguished fellow in energy and environment at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and a strategic advisor for Morgan Stanley Capital International. Her research focuses on sustainability; circular economy; life cycle management; environmental justice; safety and environmental regulations of the treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials and wastes; and assessing low carbon, alternative energy pathways to understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts across supply chains.
Dr. Meidl was previously appointed as Deputy Associate Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in Washington, D.C. where she led the agency’s domestic and international strategy, policy, and programs. She has over 25 years of regulatory, public policy, advocacy and technical experience in industry, academia, government and international relations.
Dr. Meidl holds a Ph.D. in law and public policy from Northeastern University, a master in environmental policy and management, a master of education in applied science and technology with certifications in chemistry and physics, and bachelor degrees in conservation biology and zoology & animal physiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Meidl is also a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.
Anuj Chopra
Cofounder & Chief Executive, ESGplus LLC
Captain Anuj Chopra is an international executive, enterprise risk manager, and
big data champion who has successfully forged client relationships in the
maritime industry for more than three decades. His deep experience
developing ethical, customer-focused EQ & SQ cultures has led him to conclude
high-value contracts with some of the largest shipping companies in t...
Captain Anuj Chopra is an international executive, enterprise risk manager, and
big data champion who has successfully forged client relationships in the
maritime industry for more than three decades. His deep experience
developing ethical, customer-focused EQ & SQ cultures has led him to conclude
high-value contracts with some of the largest shipping companies in the world.
Captain Chopra cofounded ESGplus LLC, an international consulting firm
focused on bringing resiliency, efficiency, and independent board advisory to
clients invested in the global maritime supply chain. ESGplus promotes
sustainability, increased safety standards, and reducing the environmental
impact of the maritime industry. Captain Chopra guides ESGplus as a diversityfocused company, providing client value by promoting exemplary, transparent
customer solutions for a sustainable and resilient maritime supply chain.
Marilyn Ceci
Managing Director and Senior Advisor to the Center for Carbon Transition, J.P Morgan
Marilyn Ceci is a Managing Director and Senior Advisor in the newly formed Center for Carbon Transition at JP Morgan. She is responsible for
building out the strategy for a new business that will put ESG at the forefront across clients in all sectors and products. Prior to her current role,
Marilyn was Global Head of ESG Debt Capital Markets at J.P. Morgan’s Corporate ...
Marilyn Ceci is a Managing Director and Senior Advisor in the newly formed Center for Carbon Transition at JP Morgan. She is responsible for
building out the strategy for a new business that will put ESG at the forefront across clients in all sectors and products. Prior to her current role,
Marilyn was Global Head of ESG Debt Capital Markets at J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank, where she has worked for over 35 years.
Ms. Ceci co-authored the Green Bond Principles, which is the market standard process for issuing Green Bonds. She served as the Vice Chair of
the Executive Committee for the first five years since the creation of the Principles and served as a member of the Executive Committee for 7 years
while also co-chairing many committees such as the New Markets Taskforce, Advisory Council and the Sustainability-Linked Bond Working Group,
where she was involved in drafting the recently published Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles. Marilyn Ceci was awarded a top Personality of the
Year for her leadership in ESG DCM by Environmental Finance for multiple years in a row. J.P. Morgan was awarded Environmental Finance 2020
Lead Manager of the Year, Sustainability Bonds – SSA, 2019 Lead Manager of the Year, Sustainability Bonds – US Muni and 2019 Global Capital
Awards one of the Most Impressive Investment Banks for the Americas Green/SRI Capital Markets, among others.
Larry Feinberg
Chief Executive, KnipBio
Larry Feinberg, PhD is an entrepreneurial industrial biotechnologist and the CEO and co-founder of KnipBio. He has expertise in early-stage technology ventures, bio-product development and large-scale commercialization initiatives. With the biofuel technology firm Mascoma, Larry held leadership responsibilities in scientific discovery and business development roles. Leadin...
Larry Feinberg, PhD is an entrepreneurial industrial biotechnologist and the CEO and co-founder of KnipBio. He has expertise in early-stage technology ventures, bio-product development and large-scale commercialization initiatives. With the biofuel technology firm Mascoma, Larry held leadership responsibilities in scientific discovery and business development roles. Leading the New Business Opportunities team, he was responsible for multiple commercial candidates including the development of the cellulosic ethanol biorefinery initiative in Alberta, Canada which he directed an advanced biorefinery project from concept through advanced engineering. Larry’s technical training occurred at the University of Massachusetts, where he obtained his PhD studying the biogeochemistry, physiology and genetics of hyperthermophile microbes living in extreme environments. Some of the ecologies he has sampled include hot springs, landfills, agricultural compost piles and industrial facilities. Prior to his graduate training, Larry ran a small family business for 5 years and was a high school teacher.
Joshua Padeti
Senior Sustainability Engineer, American Bureau Shipping
Joshua Padeti is a Senior Engineer at American Bureau of Shipping’s Global Sustainability Center in Houston. He has been with ABS since 2014 and his expertise encompasses a wide variety of topics including sustainability, alternative fuels, emissions, environmental compliance, ship machinery, marine piping, statutory compliance and rule development. He has a Master of Scie...
Joshua Padeti is a Senior Engineer at American Bureau of Shipping’s Global Sustainability Center in Houston. He has been with ABS since 2014 and his expertise encompasses a wide variety of topics including sustainability, alternative fuels, emissions, environmental compliance, ship machinery, marine piping, statutory compliance and rule development. He has a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Omar Talib
President, ControlRooms.ai
Omar Talib serves as President of ControlRooms, the first AI-powered observability software for chemical producers. Before founding ControlRooms, he served as Managing Director of Splice Machine where he created and led its Critical Infrastructure & Defense division. He seeded, built, and launched Livewire, the Operational AI platform for critical infrastructure. Prior to ...
Omar Talib serves as President of ControlRooms, the first AI-powered observability software for chemical producers. Before founding ControlRooms, he served as Managing Director of Splice Machine where he created and led its Critical Infrastructure & Defense division. He seeded, built, and launched Livewire, the Operational AI platform for critical infrastructure. Prior to Splice Machine, Omar founded Crescent Groupe S.à r.l., a tech focused merchant bank where he led several strategic partnerships to scale breakthrough technologies. Omar established a consortium with Granahan McCourt to build the world's largest manufacturer of high throughput satellite equipment. Omar strategically positioned Crescent to deliver AI-driven energy efficiency solutions for chemical producers in oil-exporting countries as they rapidly eliminated domestic subsidies. Prior to Crescent, Omar was a commodities trader at Goldman Sachs in New York. Omar holds a double bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, and currently serves on the board of Electrodollar Energy Co.
Brandon Moffatt
Vice President, Generate Capital
Brandon Moffatt has led the development, design and construction of several complex renewable gas production facilities across North America and has a detailed understanding of the commercial and operational aspects of power-to-hydrogen and power-to-gas projects. Brandon has an MBA from the Odette School of Business and holds a B.A.Sc. in environmental engineering from the...
Brandon Moffatt has led the development, design and construction of several complex renewable gas production facilities across North America and has a detailed understanding of the commercial and operational aspects of power-to-hydrogen and power-to-gas projects. Brandon has an MBA from the Odette School of Business and holds a B.A.Sc. in environmental engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Pingping Sun
Principal Energy Systems Analyst, Argonne National Lab
Dr. Pingping Sun, is a principal energy systems analyst in ANL. She works on energy systems and industrial technology evaluation by process modeling, technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA). Her TEA and LCA works include refinery and chemical production, electro fuels production (e.g. FT fuels, methanol, and syn natural gas), manufacture analysis, indus...
Dr. Pingping Sun, is a principal energy systems analyst in ANL. She works on energy systems and industrial technology evaluation by process modeling, technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle analysis (LCA). Her TEA and LCA works include refinery and chemical production, electro fuels production (e.g. FT fuels, methanol, and syn natural gas), manufacture analysis, industry decarbonization, hydrogen production, plastic waste conversions, biofuel production, etc. Prior to joining Argonne, she worked in oil and refining companies of ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66 for refinery technology development and future transportation fuels analysis. She holds in PhD in Chemical engineering for porous materials thermodynamics from UC Davis, and has postdoc training for catalysis in UC Berkeley.
Kenneth Medlock
Senior Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., is the James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics at the Baker Institute and the senior director of the Center for Energy Studies. He is also the director of the Masters of Energy Economics program, and holds adjunct professor appointments in the Department of Economics and the Department of Civil and Envi...
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., is the James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics at the Baker Institute and the senior director of the Center for Energy Studies. He is also the director of the Masters of Energy Economics program, and holds adjunct professor appointments in the Department of Economics and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University. Medlock is also a Distinguished Fellow at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Payne Institute at Colorado School of Mines. In 2012-2013, Medlock held the prestigious Haydn Williams Fellowship at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. He teaches advanced courses in energy economics and supervises Ph.D. students in the energy economics field. Medlock has published numerous scholarly articles in his primary areas of interest, which include: natural gas markets, electricity markets, energy commodity price relationships, transportation, national oil company behavior, economic development and energy demand, energy use and the environment, and various energy transitions topics ranging from engineered and nature-based carbon capture to hydrogen to the economic drivers of technology adoption. He has testified multiple times on Capitol Hill on U.S. energy exports and electricity market evolution, has spoken at OPEC, and is frequently asked to speak about global and domestic energy issues.
David Fyfe
Chief Economist, Argus
David has more than 30 years’ experience of working in energy markets. Prior to joining Argus, David was most recently chief economist at commodity trading company Gunvor. Before this, he managed the oil industry and markets division of the International Energy Agency and edited its influential monthly Oil Market Report.
David has a master’s degree in energy policy and ec...
David has more than 30 years’ experience of working in energy markets. Prior to joining Argus, David was most recently chief economist at commodity trading company Gunvor. Before this, he managed the oil industry and markets division of the International Energy Agency and edited its influential monthly Oil Market Report.
David has a master’s degree in energy policy and economics from Imperial College London.
Roel Salazar
Methanol and Derivatives Consultant, Argus Media
Roel Salazar, is the Methanol and Derivatives Consultant for Argus DeWitt. Roel is responsible for assessing US Methanol spot prices and monthly indexes. Roel is also instrumental in preparing the Annual Global MTBE Report and MTBE Monthly Outlook. Roel joined DeWitt & Company Inc. in 2005 as an Olefins Analyst supporting the Ethylene, Propylene, and Butadiene services. Mr...
Roel Salazar, is the Methanol and Derivatives Consultant for Argus DeWitt. Roel is responsible for assessing US Methanol spot prices and monthly indexes. Roel is also instrumental in preparing the Annual Global MTBE Report and MTBE Monthly Outlook. Roel joined DeWitt & Company Inc. in 2005 as an Olefins Analyst supporting the Ethylene, Propylene, and Butadiene services. Mr. Salazar joined the Fuels and Octane team in 2011 and has steadily built key client relationships with US MTBE consumers, producers and traders while helping them analyze the global MTBE and Octane markets. Roel’s previous experience includes managing system development projects in several industries. His petrochemical experience includes working at one of Mobil’s ethylene cracker in Houston between 1996 -1997. Mr. Salazar holds an undergraduate degree in Information Systems from the University of Houston.
Stefka Wechsler
Marine Fuel Editor and Pricing Analyst, Argus
Stefka Wechsler joined Argus in 2012 as an editor and marine fuel analyst contributing to the daily price and news report Argus Marine Fuels. Formerly a residual fuel oil consultant with Poten & Partners (2006-2012) where she focused on market analysis and scenario planning for fuel oil production, consumption and regulations. While at Poten, she contributed to the monthly...
Stefka Wechsler joined Argus in 2012 as an editor and marine fuel analyst contributing to the daily price and news report Argus Marine Fuels. Formerly a residual fuel oil consultant with Poten & Partners (2006-2012) where she focused on market analysis and scenario planning for fuel oil production, consumption and regulations. While at Poten, she contributed to the monthly Fuel Oil in World Markets and Fuel Oil Opinion reports and co-authored the studies Fuel Oil Prospects 2010-2015, North America ECA 2012-2020 and Marine Fuel Regulations 2010-2025.
Stefka has an extensive network of international marine fuel suppliers, traders, brokers and ship owners and ship charterers. She created and maintains a detailed marine exhaust scrubber database and low-carbon fuels vessels database.
Stefka has an MBA from Fordham University.
Stefka has an extensive network of international marine fuel suppliers, traders, brokers and ship owners and ship charterers. She created and maintains a detailed marine exhaust scrubber database and low-carbon fuels vessels database.
Stefka has an MBA from Fordham University.
Leanne Tan
Associate Editor, Argus
Leanne is an associate editor at Argus Media covering the methanol and MTBE markets. She started her career at SABIC as a supply chain planner, before joining ICIS as a reporter for the polypropylene (PP), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (MLLDPE) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) markets. She holds a degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore.
Leanne is an associate editor at Argus Media covering the methanol and MTBE markets. She started her career at SABIC as a supply chain planner, before joining ICIS as a reporter for the polypropylene (PP), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (MLLDPE) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) markets. She holds a degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore.
Gus Vasquez
Argus Americas Crude Editor, Argus
Gus Vasquez has been the Argus Americas Crude Editor since the beginning of 2008. Prior to that he was a member of Argus’ European crude team, based out of London, where he covered the North Sea, Mediterra¬nean, Russian and west African crude markets.
Before joining Argus in 2006, he spent four years as a market analyst for Venezuela’s national oil company working out o...
Gus Vasquez has been the Argus Americas Crude Editor since the beginning of 2008. Prior to that he was a member of Argus’ European crude team, based out of London, where he covered the North Sea, Mediterra¬nean, Russian and west African crude markets.
Before joining Argus in 2006, he spent four years as a market analyst for Venezuela’s national oil company working out of their London office.
Bruce Fulin
Vice President of Crude Oil Business Development, Argus Media
Bruce Fulin is Argus’ Vice President of Crude Oil Business Development. Bruce has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industries focusing on commercial trading, planning and development, coordination of multiple teams, decision-making, economic valuation, consensus-building, and communication skills. Bruce has previously worked with Petrochina, BG Group, Equiva ...
Bruce Fulin is Argus’ Vice President of Crude Oil Business Development. Bruce has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industries focusing on commercial trading, planning and development, coordination of multiple teams, decision-making, economic valuation, consensus-building, and communication skills. Bruce has previously worked with Petrochina, BG Group, Equiva Trading (Shell), ConocoPhillips, and Premcor Oil in crude elated rules. Bruce has an MBA from University of Moscow and a BBA in management from University of Houston.