2020 Speaker Biographies

		Anders Nyrén \| Business Development Manager ABB Control Room Solutions Last 10 years in the global modernization of the CCR. In automation business for 32 years. Curiosity together with experience in customer cooperation with focus on the best solution for each customer in each situation is often a good start.
		Martin van Onna \| Chief Commercial Officer Airborne Oil & Gas Martin van Onna started Airborne Oil & Gas in 2007. After 5 years, during which he pioneered the development of Thermoplastic Composite Pipe technology, developed the company and pilot production, and following the company’s relocation and establishment as independent company, he moved to his current role of Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO. In this role he is responsible for the successful market entry and business development of Thermoplastic Composite Pipe in the SURF (Subsea Umbilicals Risers & Flowlines) and Subsea Well Intervention markets. Prior to joining, Martin spent 8 years in the upstream business, where he held a position of General Manager of a global leader in well services equipment. Martin holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Delft University of Technology and is member of the Advisory Board of the MCE Deepwater Development conference. Martin is married with four children. In his spare time he enjoys running, history and spending time with his family.
		Helio da Cunha Bisaggio \| Superintendent of Infrastructure and Transportation ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis Helio da Cunha Bisaggio is a Naval Architect graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil and holds Doctor Degrees in Ocean Engineering from COPPE – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has been working for 14 years as a regulation specialist and is currently the Manager of Infrastructure and Transportation at the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
		Heloisa Borges Esteves \| Superintendent of Licensing Rounds Promotion ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis Heloisa Borges Esteves holds a PhD in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a Master Degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a post-graduate degree in Public Law from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, a Law Degree from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a bachelor degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Heloisa has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Virginia Law School and last year joined the University of Columbia Women Leadership Network Program. Heloisa Esteves has served in various positions in the Brazilian Public Administration (as a teacher, a researcher and a federal employee), and is currently Superintendent in the Bidding Rounds Superintendency at the National Petroleum, Natural gas and Biofuels Agency. Heloisa has authored papers and book chapters and lectured in many different levels and in several institutions (both private and public), both in Brazil and abroad.
		Antonio Jose Alfonzo Padilla \| Technical Support and Applications Engineer Baker Hughes Antonio Jose Alfonzo Padilla, is a 27 years old Electronic Engineer whose work experience is within the Oil & Gas Industry. Born and raised in Cabimas, Venezuela. He was graduated Cum Laude at the University Rafael Belloso Chacin in Zulia State. He started his career in the Oil & Gas industry back in 2012 in Wireline Services. After that, he participated in a Baker Hughes selection program for recent graduates called LEAD Program and got selected upon 25 participants to work as a Field Engineer for Artificial Lift, focusing in Electrical Submersible Pump Systems. With a Workshop and Field Service background. He has had the opportunity to travel to Dubai, EUA; Bogota, Colombia and Tomball, Texas for training purposes. He has been promoted several times starting as a Field Engineer I; today being a Lead Technical Support Specialist. Headed the proposal introduction of ProductionWave Solution in Venezuela Geomarket, a Gas Mitigation Solution for Unconventional Oil Wells as a project for market share improvement which could led to increased profits and establish 57% OPBT in overall revenues in just 6 months. His work experience is focused in production of heavy oil in harsh environments such as high temperature, solids, high GOR, emulsions for and onshore mature field in West Venezuela. Recently he was transferred to Brazil, where he currently lives, to offer Technical Support for Offshore ESP Applications and have been assigned to support Equinor’s operations in Peregrino Field. When he is not glued to a computer screen, he spends time with his wife and daughter who are a number one priority for him. He likes reading technical books and bulletins and recently started to practice CrossFit. He is also interested in Blockchain technologies. He can be contacted at LinkedIn and at antonio.alfonzo@bakerhughes.com .
		Gabriel de Figueiredo da Costa \| Technical Advisor – Natural Gas Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (Energy Research Office) – EPE Technical Advisor for the Natural Gas team in the Oil and Gas department of Brazilian Energy Research Office (EPE). Chemical Engineer, currently attending the Energy Planning master’s degree course.
		Bruce Crager \| Executive Vice President Endeavor Management Bruce Crager is Executive Vice President of Endeavor Management and leads the firm’s Expert Advisory Group. He has over 45 years of experience in offshore drilling and production, primarily in management positions which have included President and CEO of INTEC Engineering, Senior Vice President of Oceaneering and President of ABB Offshore Systems Inc. Bruce holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University and was selected as a Distinguished Graduate of TAMU’s Zachry Department of Civil Engineering in 2008. He also holds a MBA from the University of Houston, has co-authored 4 patents, and has written numerous technical and management articles.
		Paulo Roberto Furio \| Innovation and Technology Manager Firjan, SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry, SESI Innovation Center in Occupational Hygiene and SENAI Institute for Environmental Technologies Paulo Roberto Furio is a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Universidade Católica de Petrópolis, MSc in Management from FGV-EBAPE with specializations in Strategic Management, Environmental Studies and Strategic Educational and Technology Institute Management, and is currently the manager of the SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry, SESI Innovation Center in Occupational Hygiene and SENAI Institute for Environmental Technologies. His main directives are the improvement of Brazilian Industry’s productivity by increasing the technological development of its products and processes through the development of innovative solutions and applied research, mitigating occupational hazards and risks and improving worker safety. He is a representative for the Rio de Janeiro’s state SENAI/SESI in technical gatherings devoted to environmental issues, circular economy, green chemistry and sustainability. He’s also responsible for the coordination and partaking in innovation institutes networks both national and international, igniting partnerships with institutes and research centers that synergize in order to build innovative solutions to boost industrial efficiency.
		John Chatten \| Senior Business Development Manager \| Chairman South America Fugro \| IMCA John Chatten is Oil and Gas industry professional with over twenty years’ experience with in the offshore marine Survey sector. John career started with Halliburton Subsea / Subsea7, as a Survey Technician, rising to a position of Senior Survey Engineer whilst employed on a variety of projects such as Pipeline Surveys, Subsea Construction Support and Surface Positioning activities within the European, Americas and African Regions. After a period of 9 years associated with offshore work, the next challenge arrived, and John moved into the onshore office environment, firstly as a Survey Equipment Coordinator for Subsea7 based on Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro and next to a Survey Manager position for Intermoor do Brasil also based in Rio de Janeiro. Moving from Rio de Janerio, John joined Fugro Brasil at Rio das Ostras, Macae as a Senior Project Manager responsible for Positioning and Constructions support projects for both internal and external clients. After a further three years John took the positions of Line Manager and finally Service Line Manager responsible for all Positioning and Construction Support activities with in Brazil. From 2019 John was then relocated from the operational environment to the Commercial area as Senior Business Development Manager for Fugro Brasil. During 2016 John was invited to join the International Marine Contractors Association in the role of Survey Committee member for South America. In 2018 and John was also invited by the South American IMCA committee to be Chairman for the region. Within these roles John works closely with the IMCA Technical Advisors, the IMCA Operation Committee and the South American regional Committee and industry members. John is responsible for coordinating the South America IMCA Committee, implementing the IMCA strategies within the committee and coordinating the regional South American IMCA meetings whilst working closely with Members and none member alike.
		João Arruda \| Business Development Manager Fugro João Arruda is an Oil and Gas industry professional with over 12 years’ experience. The His career started with Netzch do Brasil, as Technical Sales Engineer followed by Weatherford International as Field Engineer from 2008 to 2012. In 2012 Joao received the challenge to move into a new position, at Commercial department, for National Oilwell Varco, as Sales Manager. At the end of 2013, João then moved to Weir Oil and Gas with the challenge to increase market share for services and products. Success achieved, João was invited, in 2015 to be part of Surface Technologies team at FMC Technologies (now TechnipFMC). During the 3 years and a half, João developed new markets, new relationships and brought clients and new projects. In 2019, João then moved to Fugro, this being that the biggest challenge of his career, as Business Development Manager. Father of 2 kids, married , João is originally from Rio de Janeiro and moved to Macaé since 2008.
		Vinicius Cavalcanti \| Tax Coordinator at Secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro Vinicius Cavalcanti is a tax attorney, specialist in Oil & Gas Sector, with deep understand of REPETRO Regime and Special Customs Regimes. He worked as tax manager to Oil & Gas companies and led complex projects regarding compliance and mitigation of risks. Also is an experienced professional on negotiation and implementation of industrial projects in Southeast region of Brazil (for industries such as Oil & Gas and Tires). He was born in Rio de Janeiro, and graduated in Law at the age of 22 at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and also has postgraduate degree in Tax Law. Moreover, has specialization on Business and Regulation of Oil & Gas Sector at FGV (Fundação Getúlio Vargas) and attended the International Tax Summer Course at Leiden University. He also worked as a consultant on judicial and administrative proceedings; elaborating petitions, providing legal research and attending internal stakeholders concerning tax matters. He took the position at Tax Coordinator at Secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations of the State of Rio de Janeiro on January, 2020.
		Captain Andy Goldsmith \| Technical Adviser – Marine The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Andy Goldsmith spent 29 years at sea, 10 on deep sea tankers and 19 in the offshore industry. He was Captain of DP diving support and offshore construction vessels prior to spending six years in the operations department of Smit International. He joined IMCA as a Technical Adviser in January 2015 and works closely with the IMCA Marine, DP, Renewable Energy, Security and South America Committees. He was instrumental in forming the IMCA Marine DP Committee. In recent years the IMCA DP station keeping reporting scheme has been revamped, an accreditation scheme for DP Practitioners introduced and a systematic review of the IMCA technical library undertaken.
		Paulo Guilherme de Menezes Coimbra \| Deal Advisory Partner KPMG Corporate Finance Ltda. Paulo has a strong experience in advising clients throughout M&A transactions, and throughout valuation services. During his 15 years of Corporate Finance experience, he has participated in a wide range of activities, including: financial advisory to clients in mergers and acquisitions, privatizations and offerings. He has provided deal management and valuation services on numerous cross-border transactions for both domestic/international and financial/strategic buyers in large and complex deals. Before joining KPMG in Brazil he worked at Açúcar Guarani (prominent sugar and ethanol Company in Brazil) and was CFO at Cimentos Liz (major cement group in Brazil).
		Tony Duncan \| Executive Vice President, Americas Magma Global Tony Duncan is Executive Vice President at Magma Global. Tony, who is based in Houston, Texas, has more than 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector, having held senior positions with Technip, Acergy, Subsea 7 and McDermott International. Magma Global develops and produces the world’s most advanced subsea pipe for oil and gas. Magma was founded to solve the problems that were a challenge to steel and flexibles: corrosion, temperature, high pressure and speed of deployment. Magma’s m-pipe® is made from PEEK and carbon fibre. It simplifies subsea architecture thanks to its low weight, high strength, flexibility and standardised design. m-pipe® is used as flowlines and jumpers by major operators around the world and achieves significant installed cost savings. Magma’s game changing technology is now solving riser challenges and is incorporated into hybrid solutions by TechnipFMC and Ocyan.
		Mick Mullan \| Analysis & Qualification Manager Magma Global Mick is responsible for design, analysis and qualification activities relating to m-pipe including the installation, pipe body and end fitting. He oversees material and product testing and the interpretation of results. Mick develops Magma’s design and analysis processes and tools. He also instructs and interprets design and qualification standards. Previously Mick was Analysis Manager at McLaren Automotive.
		Felipe Rodrigues Caldas Feres \| Partner Mattos Filho Advogados Felipe advises clients on M&A projects and transactions in the petroleum, natural gas and biofuels industries. He specializes on transactional, contractual and regulatory work covering all segments of these industries, from upstream to downstream. He worked as a foreign attorney at the law firm of DLA Piper LLP, is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Felipe is the current President of the Petroleum and Fuels Committee of the Rio de Janeiro Section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ), with term of office for 2019/2021. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Laws, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Specialization in Corporate Law and Capital Markets, Fundação Getulio Vargas – FGV Direito Rio de Janeiro, Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in Contracts and Project Finance, University of Chicago RECOGNITION: Chambers Global – Oil & Gas (2015 – 2019), Chambers Latin America – Oil & Gas (2015 – 2020), LACCA Approved – Corporate/M&A; Energy (2018 – 2019), The Legal 500 – Next generation lawyers: Energy and Natural Resources: hydrocarbons (2015 – 2019), Who’s Who Legal Brazil – Energy (2018 – 2019)
		Fernando Neder dos Santos, Business Development Manager NALCO Champion, an Ecolab Company Chemical Engineer graduated at UFRJ in 2005, 14 years working in the oil & gas industry in drilling, completion and production.
		Justin Pizzitola \| Technical Solutions Lead Oceaneering International Held several positions within Oil & Gas Service companies for around 15 years, the last 10 years with Oceaneering. The first half of career was spent in operational roles, everything from offshore ROV, specialized ROV tooling, intervention operations, and onshore special projects management. The latter part has been spent in a technical solutions role, supporting operators with flow assurance and production enhancement type solutions and execution.
		Ricardo Toneto de Melo \| Subsea EPCI Department Manager Petrobras Ricardo Toneto de Melo was promoted to the Subsea EPCI Department Manager at Petrobras in March 2019 from his previous role as Subsea Manager for Libra Project in Petrobras. Prior to these positions, he worked in various projects in Petrobras, including deepwater pos-salt and pre-salt projects. Some of these roles included Subsea Systems Engineer, Project Management Practices applied in Subsea, Subsea Project Manager, Subsea Engineering Manager. Toneto holds a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering since 1995. He has three specialist degrees: Subsea Engineering, Planning Engineering and Maintenance Engineering. He has more than 20 years’ experience in engineering and project management and has worked for Petrobras for more than 13 years.
		Eduardo Fontes \| Commercial Superintendent Pottencial Seguradora Eduardo has 15 years of insurance business. Graduated in Business at IBMEC and with specialization in Management from the Northwestern University. While working at Allianz Group, JLT and Pottencial Seguradora Eduardo has been able to assist most all major companies and entities in the Oil and Gas business in business solutions for their operations. He has deep knowledge in the oil & gas, shipbuilding, upstream industries, working consistently with Brazilian and international companies. Eduardo also assists a number of energy and infrastructure companies in Brazil and abroad with settling in Brazil and throughout their respective operations. Recognized for his knowledge in the Surety market, Eduardo has been responsible for advising and analyzing several projects and companies in the past ANP rounds.
		José Eduardo Gerk \| President Director Pré-Sal Petróleo Educated at the Military Engineering Institute (IME – Instituto Militar de Engenharia), with a master’s degree and doctorate in mechanical engineering from COPPE/UFRJ (Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and specialization in Petroleum Engineering at Petrobras University, Gerk has 30 years” experience in the oil and gas industry. The engineer began his career at Petrobras, later acting as a consultant and business administrator and is full professor of the engineering program of the Veiga de Almeida University.
		Gilberta Lucchesi \| Deputy Chief Financial Officer Repsol Sinopec Brasil Gilberta Lucchesi is the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Repsol Sinopec Brasil. Lawyer with a Post Graduate degree in Corporate Law and a Master Degree in Legal (UFRJ), she is an executive with a very solid background in oil and gas operations, upstream and downstream processes, as well as finance, with strong knowledge in taxes. Over 22 years of experience in financial area, Gilberta has worked in multidisciplinary and multicultural companies and has performed relevant roles related to financial activities. For the last 13 years, she has focused on the oil and gas industry, on upstream and downstream operations. Gilberta has broad experience in representing industry in dealing with Brazilian Authorities (ANP, Receita Federal, Ministério da Economia and Ministério de Minas e Energia, OCDE) with positive results for the O&G industry such as the recent change in the REPETRO Regime, Special Participation and Transfer Pricing rules, being responsible for obtaining the Special Regime enabling Repsol Sinopec to be the first IOC to perform Ship to Ship operations in Brazil. Furthermore, she has been appointed as GETAP (Grupo de Estudos Tributários Aplicados) director in 2017, contributing for the improvement of the country’s tax legislation, aiming at simplicity, neutrality, efficiency and rationality.
		Lauro Puppim \| Commercial and Tendering Manager Saipem Lauro Puppim holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Project Management. He started his career in the subsea engineering area of Petrobras, holding several positions in the company, among them project manager for subsea production development, manager of IRM of SURF (subsea umbilical, risers and flowlines) and also of engineering and installation of SPS (subsea production system). He joined Saipem do Brasil initially as Subsea Equipment Manager, later as SURF Business Development and currently he is responsible for the Commercial and Tendering area of Saipem do Brasil. He is also Director of ABESPetro, the Brazilian association of Contractors for Oil & Gas Industry.
		Daniel Green \| Project Finance Sector Head for O&G Santander Daniel Green has been serving as Executive Director of Santander’s project finance team since 2015, and is currently responsible for the coverage of O&G, transmission lines and social infrastructure segments. Daniel has worked actively in several different transactions encompassing financial advisories, liability management and the structuring of bridges and long term financing with commercial banks, development banks, multilateral agencies, ECAs and capital markets. Prior to joining Santander, Daniel worked for three years as CFO of a SME retail company and previously for six years in Morgan Stanley Investment Banking and Fixed Income Capital Markets areas, providing advisory services as well structuring equity and debt capital markets transactions. Daniel holds a MBA in Business Administration from Insper (São Paulo) and has a bachelor degree in Production Engineering from Escola Politécnica (Universidade de São Paulo).
		Eduardo Chamusca \| Brazil Country Director SBM Offshore Eduardo Chamusca joined SBM Offshore in May 2013 as the Business Development Director in Brazil, responsible for SBM 1s in-country sales activities for FPSO 1s, Turrets, mooring systems and further products. Three years later, in May 2016, he was appointed as the General Manager for OPS – a joint-venture between SBM Offshore and Sonangol in Angola – where he led the operations of SBM 1s second largest market worldwide. Back to Brazil in March 2018, Eduardo now faces the challenge to lead SBM Brazil in building strong customer relationships and securing the position as one of the largest players in the market. As a seasoned executive, Eduardo holds a significant track record in the Oil & Gas Industry, working in key deep water projects in Brazil and Africa, with experiences in several management/leadership roles. He is a Brazilian Citizen, married with two children, bachelor in Electronic Engineering by Griffith Federal University in Australia with an MBA in Business Management with IBMEC and ongoing Masters in Business Economics in Energy with PUC-Rio.
		Philippe Herve \| VP Solutions SparkCognition Philippe Herve joined SparkCognition as the VP of Solutions. He is a multilingual executive with U.S. and international success in operations, technology, business development, marketing, sales, and client relations. Herve started working with artificial intelligence in 1985. Herve’s comprehensive experience in oil and gas spans large-scale project leadership, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and operations. Herve holds multiple patents for the use of ultrasonic energy in well inspections, and has authored many technical papers. He is a member of professional organizations including the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Over the years, Herve has frequently been published in Bloomberg, Oil & Gas Journal, Journal of Petroleum Technology, World Oil, The Houston Chronicle, Drilling Contractor, and is a frequent speaker on diverse management and engineering subjects.
		Patricia Grabowsky \| Head of Innovations Subsea 7 Materials Engineer graduated in Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Executive Certificate in Innovation & Strategy from MIT Sloan, member of the Innovation Reference Center from Fundação Dom Cabral, with more than 10 yrs of experience in the O&G industry.
		Rogério Campos \| Partner – Oil & Gas Veirano Advogados Rogério has more than 15 years of experience practicing law, with a strong focus on general contractual and corporate law. He has deep knowledge in the oil & gas, shipping, defense and security industries, working consistently with Brazilian and international companies. Rogério also assists a number of energy and infrastructure companies in Brazil and abroad with settling in Brazil and throughout their respective operations, including project finance. Rogério has also advised clients with multiple mergers, acquisitions and restructuring transactions, with particular experience in due diligence, drafting sessions and negotiation of the respective agreements. Focusing on the infrastructure, oil & gas, and shipbuilding industries, Rogério is also experienced in the various legal aspects related to the defense and security industries, regularly advising local and foreign companies on the negotiation of their contracts with the Brazilian Armed Forces. Recognized for his knowledge of the Petrobras bid system, Rogério advises clients on the revision of Petrobras bid documents (including farm-out agreements), assessing their main risks and liabilities, drafting requests for clarification during tenders and direct negotiations, attending bid-related meetings, as well as, preparing bid-related documents and appeals against decisions of the bid committees. Rogério also works with Maritime Law and shipbuilding clients, including revision and negotiations of financing and respective collateralization, building, chartering and operation contracts, as well as assisting its clients in the attainment of all regulatory requirements of navigation companies and their Brazilian or foreign-flagged vessels. Prior to joining Veirano Advogados, Rogério was seconded to Petrobras for more than two years where he gained significant experience with the Petrobras bid process. Rogério has worked as an international associate of the law firm Paul Hastings LLP, in New York, NY, between the years of 2015 and 2016.
		André de Souza Carvalho \| Partner Veirano Advogados André Carvalho focuses his practice on tax consulting, with particular expertise in the oil and gas and shipping industries. A significant part of his time is also devoted to clients in the mining industry as well as private clients and tax and estate planning associated thereto. Mr. Carvalho has represented a broad range of top-tier companies on issues surrounding oil and gas exploration, production, and structuring of investments for acquisition and divestiture, both inbound and outbound. He regularly advises some of the world’s most prominent oilfield services and shipping companies and guides them through the complexities of Brazilian tax and customs regulations. He began counseling clients in the late 1990s in the early phases of the rebirth of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry and continues to be a recognized expert on the legislation that affects this important industry. Additionally, Mr. Carvalho has developed a strong expertise in cross-border tax issues and the application of tax treaties for a wide cross-section of business and industries. Mr. Carvalho is a frequent speaker, in both Brazil and internationally, on tax issues related to corporate structuring and the oil and gas and mining industries. He is also a recognized expert on regulatory tax matters associated with the offshore industry. Mr. Carvalho is a Director of the Brazilian chapter of the International Fiscal Association (IFA), a position he has held for more than five years and was also a member of the Central Committee of the YIN – Young IFA Network in 2010-2011. Several universities and educational institutions benefit from Mr. Carvalho’s expertise because he is a frequent lecturer on international tax issues. He is also an active member of the Research and Support Committee of ‘Revista de Direito Tributário Internacional’, a leading publication in the field of international taxation in Brazil. Before joining Veirano in 1997, Mr. Carvalho worked for one of the Big Four Accounting Firms, specializing in tax advisory.
		Joel Thigpen \| General Manager, Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling Wärtsilä Mr. Thigpen joined Wärtsilä in June 2015 as the US Sales Manager for Oil & Gas. In 2018 Joel was named General Manager of Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling and currently focuses his attention on leading the industry transformation towards a Smart Offshore Ecosystem. Including his time at Wärtsilä, Mr. Thigpen has served nearly 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. Mr. Thigpen earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a concentration in Management from the United States Air Force Academy.
		Christopher M. Barton \| Senior Vice President Business Development Wood Christopher M. Barton is currently Sr. Vice President, Business Development for Wood. Chris is based in Houston where he has business development responsibility for Wood’s Offshore business unit. He has over 38 years’ experience in the upstream oil and gas industry and has held senior roles with McDermott, ABB, Technip, KBR and FloaTEC. Since commencing his career as an offshore Field Engineer with McDermott in Singapore, Chris has worked in a wide variety of roles encompassing Offshore Operations, Fabrication Operations, Project Management, Business Development and Executive Management. Chris career has taken him to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Australia and USA. His experience covers all aspects of the upstream industry, including B2B publishing and conference management as Group VP and Publisher of Offshore Magazine at PennWell. Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1980. He is married to a Swede and has two grown daughters and one grandson.

More speaker biographies to be included as we receive them.

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Petroleum Economist’s “Minister of the Year” Goes to…

		Anders Nyrén \| Business Development Manager ABB Control Room Solutions Last 10 years in the global modernization of the CCR. In automation business for 32 years. Curiosity together with experience in customer cooperation with focus on the best solution for each customer in each situation is often a good start.
		Martin van Onna \| Chief Commercial Officer Airborne Oil & Gas Martin van Onna started Airborne Oil & Gas in 2007. After 5 years, during which he pioneered the development of Thermoplastic Composite Pipe technology, developed the company and pilot production, and following the company’s relocation and establishment as independent company, he moved to his current role of Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO. In this role he is responsible for the successful market entry and business development of Thermoplastic Composite Pipe in the SURF (Subsea Umbilicals Risers & Flowlines) and Subsea Well Intervention markets. Prior to joining, Martin spent 8 years in the upstream business, where he held a position of General Manager of a global leader in well services equipment. Martin holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Delft University of Technology and is member of the Advisory Board of the MCE Deepwater Development conference. Martin is married with four children. In his spare time he enjoys running, history and spending time with his family.
		Helio da Cunha Bisaggio \| Superintendent of Infrastructure and Transportation ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis Helio da Cunha Bisaggio is a Naval Architect graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil and holds Doctor Degrees in Ocean Engineering from COPPE – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has been working for 14 years as a regulation specialist and is currently the Manager of Infrastructure and Transportation at the Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
		Heloisa Borges Esteves \| Superintendent of Licensing Rounds Promotion ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis Heloisa Borges Esteves holds a PhD in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a Master Degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, a post-graduate degree in Public Law from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, a Law Degree from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a bachelor degree in Economics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Heloisa has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Virginia Law School and last year joined the University of Columbia Women Leadership Network Program. Heloisa Esteves has served in various positions in the Brazilian Public Administration (as a teacher, a researcher and a federal employee), and is currently Superintendent in the Bidding Rounds Superintendency at the National Petroleum, Natural gas and Biofuels Agency. Heloisa has authored papers and book chapters and lectured in many different levels and in several institutions (both private and public), both in Brazil and abroad.
		Antonio Jose Alfonzo Padilla \| Technical Support and Applications Engineer Baker Hughes Antonio Jose Alfonzo Padilla, is a 27 years old Electronic Engineer whose work experience is within the Oil & Gas Industry. Born and raised in Cabimas, Venezuela. He was graduated Cum Laude at the University Rafael Belloso Chacin in Zulia State. He started his career in the Oil & Gas industry back in 2012 in Wireline Services. After that, he participated in a Baker Hughes selection program for recent graduates called LEAD Program and got selected upon 25 participants to work as a Field Engineer for Artificial Lift, focusing in Electrical Submersible Pump Systems. With a Workshop and Field Service background. He has had the opportunity to travel to Dubai, EUA; Bogota, Colombia and Tomball, Texas for training purposes. He has been promoted several times starting as a Field Engineer I; today being a Lead Technical Support Specialist. Headed the proposal introduction of ProductionWave Solution in Venezuela Geomarket, a Gas Mitigation Solution for Unconventional Oil Wells as a project for market share improvement which could led to increased profits and establish 57% OPBT in overall revenues in just 6 months. His work experience is focused in production of heavy oil in harsh environments such as high temperature, solids, high GOR, emulsions for and onshore mature field in West Venezuela. Recently he was transferred to Brazil, where he currently lives, to offer Technical Support for Offshore ESP Applications and have been assigned to support Equinor’s operations in Peregrino Field. When he is not glued to a computer screen, he spends time with his wife and daughter who are a number one priority for him. He likes reading technical books and bulletins and recently started to practice CrossFit. He is also interested in Blockchain technologies. He can be contacted at LinkedIn and at antonio.alfonzo@bakerhughes.com .
		Gabriel de Figueiredo da Costa \| Technical Advisor – Natural Gas Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (Energy Research Office) – EPE Technical Advisor for the Natural Gas team in the Oil and Gas department of Brazilian Energy Research Office (EPE). Chemical Engineer, currently attending the Energy Planning master’s degree course.
		Bruce Crager \| Executive Vice President Endeavor Management Bruce Crager is Executive Vice President of Endeavor Management and leads the firm’s Expert Advisory Group. He has over 45 years of experience in offshore drilling and production, primarily in management positions which have included President and CEO of INTEC Engineering, Senior Vice President of Oceaneering and President of ABB Offshore Systems Inc. Bruce holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University and was selected as a Distinguished Graduate of TAMU’s Zachry Department of Civil Engineering in 2008. He also holds a MBA from the University of Houston, has co-authored 4 patents, and has written numerous technical and management articles.
		Paulo Roberto Furio \| Innovation and Technology Manager Firjan, SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry, SESI Innovation Center in Occupational Hygiene and SENAI Institute for Environmental Technologies Paulo Roberto Furio is a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Universidade Católica de Petrópolis, MSc in Management from FGV-EBAPE with specializations in Strategic Management, Environmental Studies and Strategic Educational and Technology Institute Management, and is currently the manager of the SENAI Institute for Innovation in Green Chemistry, SESI Innovation Center in Occupational Hygiene and SENAI Institute for Environmental Technologies. His main directives are the improvement of Brazilian Industry’s productivity by increasing the technological development of its products and processes through the development of innovative solutions and applied research, mitigating occupational hazards and risks and improving worker safety. He is a representative for the Rio de Janeiro’s state SENAI/SESI in technical gatherings devoted to environmental issues, circular economy, green chemistry and sustainability. He’s also responsible for the coordination and partaking in innovation institutes networks both national and international, igniting partnerships with institutes and research centers that synergize in order to build innovative solutions to boost industrial efficiency.
		John Chatten \| Senior Business Development Manager \| Chairman South America Fugro \| IMCA John Chatten is Oil and Gas industry professional with over twenty years’ experience with in the offshore marine Survey sector. John career started with Halliburton Subsea / Subsea7, as a Survey Technician, rising to a position of Senior Survey Engineer whilst employed on a variety of projects such as Pipeline Surveys, Subsea Construction Support and Surface Positioning activities within the European, Americas and African Regions. After a period of 9 years associated with offshore work, the next challenge arrived, and John moved into the onshore office environment, firstly as a Survey Equipment Coordinator for Subsea7 based on Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro and next to a Survey Manager position for Intermoor do Brasil also based in Rio de Janeiro. Moving from Rio de Janerio, John joined Fugro Brasil at Rio das Ostras, Macae as a Senior Project Manager responsible for Positioning and Constructions support projects for both internal and external clients. After a further three years John took the positions of Line Manager and finally Service Line Manager responsible for all Positioning and Construction Support activities with in Brazil. From 2019 John was then relocated from the operational environment to the Commercial area as Senior Business Development Manager for Fugro Brasil. During 2016 John was invited to join the International Marine Contractors Association in the role of Survey Committee member for South America. In 2018 and John was also invited by the South American IMCA committee to be Chairman for the region. Within these roles John works closely with the IMCA Technical Advisors, the IMCA Operation Committee and the South American regional Committee and industry members. John is responsible for coordinating the South America IMCA Committee, implementing the IMCA strategies within the committee and coordinating the regional South American IMCA meetings whilst working closely with Members and none member alike.
		João Arruda \| Business Development Manager Fugro João Arruda is an Oil and Gas industry professional with over 12 years’ experience. The His career started with Netzch do Brasil, as Technical Sales Engineer followed by Weatherford International as Field Engineer from 2008 to 2012. In 2012 Joao received the challenge to move into a new position, at Commercial department, for National Oilwell Varco, as Sales Manager. At the end of 2013, João then moved to Weir Oil and Gas with the challenge to increase market share for services and products. Success achieved, João was invited, in 2015 to be part of Surface Technologies team at FMC Technologies (now TechnipFMC). During the 3 years and a half, João developed new markets, new relationships and brought clients and new projects. In 2019, João then moved to Fugro, this being that the biggest challenge of his career, as Business Development Manager. Father of 2 kids, married , João is originally from Rio de Janeiro and moved to Macaé since 2008.
		Vinicius Cavalcanti \| Tax Coordinator at Secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro Vinicius Cavalcanti is a tax attorney, specialist in Oil & Gas Sector, with deep understand of REPETRO Regime and Special Customs Regimes. He worked as tax manager to Oil & Gas companies and led complex projects regarding compliance and mitigation of risks. Also is an experienced professional on negotiation and implementation of industrial projects in Southeast region of Brazil (for industries such as Oil & Gas and Tires). He was born in Rio de Janeiro, and graduated in Law at the age of 22 at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and also has postgraduate degree in Tax Law. Moreover, has specialization on Business and Regulation of Oil & Gas Sector at FGV (Fundação Getúlio Vargas) and attended the International Tax Summer Course at Leiden University. He also worked as a consultant on judicial and administrative proceedings; elaborating petitions, providing legal research and attending internal stakeholders concerning tax matters. He took the position at Tax Coordinator at Secretary of Economic Development, Energy and International Relations of the State of Rio de Janeiro on January, 2020.
		Captain Andy Goldsmith \| Technical Adviser – Marine The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Andy Goldsmith spent 29 years at sea, 10 on deep sea tankers and 19 in the offshore industry. He was Captain of DP diving support and offshore construction vessels prior to spending six years in the operations department of Smit International. He joined IMCA as a Technical Adviser in January 2015 and works closely with the IMCA Marine, DP, Renewable Energy, Security and South America Committees. He was instrumental in forming the IMCA Marine DP Committee. In recent years the IMCA DP station keeping reporting scheme has been revamped, an accreditation scheme for DP Practitioners introduced and a systematic review of the IMCA technical library undertaken.
		Paulo Guilherme de Menezes Coimbra \| Deal Advisory Partner KPMG Corporate Finance Ltda. Paulo has a strong experience in advising clients throughout M&A transactions, and throughout valuation services. During his 15 years of Corporate Finance experience, he has participated in a wide range of activities, including: financial advisory to clients in mergers and acquisitions, privatizations and offerings. He has provided deal management and valuation services on numerous cross-border transactions for both domestic/international and financial/strategic buyers in large and complex deals. Before joining KPMG in Brazil he worked at Açúcar Guarani (prominent sugar and ethanol Company in Brazil) and was CFO at Cimentos Liz (major cement group in Brazil).
		Tony Duncan \| Executive Vice President, Americas Magma Global Tony Duncan is Executive Vice President at Magma Global. Tony, who is based in Houston, Texas, has more than 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector, having held senior positions with Technip, Acergy, Subsea 7 and McDermott International. Magma Global develops and produces the world’s most advanced subsea pipe for oil and gas. Magma was founded to solve the problems that were a challenge to steel and flexibles: corrosion, temperature, high pressure and speed of deployment. Magma’s m-pipe® is made from PEEK and carbon fibre. It simplifies subsea architecture thanks to its low weight, high strength, flexibility and standardised design. m-pipe® is used as flowlines and jumpers by major operators around the world and achieves significant installed cost savings. Magma’s game changing technology is now solving riser challenges and is incorporated into hybrid solutions by TechnipFMC and Ocyan.
		Mick Mullan \| Analysis & Qualification Manager Magma Global Mick is responsible for design, analysis and qualification activities relating to m-pipe including the installation, pipe body and end fitting. He oversees material and product testing and the interpretation of results. Mick develops Magma’s design and analysis processes and tools. He also instructs and interprets design and qualification standards. Previously Mick was Analysis Manager at McLaren Automotive.
		Felipe Rodrigues Caldas Feres \| Partner Mattos Filho Advogados Felipe advises clients on M&A projects and transactions in the petroleum, natural gas and biofuels industries. He specializes on transactional, contractual and regulatory work covering all segments of these industries, from upstream to downstream. He worked as a foreign attorney at the law firm of DLA Piper LLP, is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Felipe is the current President of the Petroleum and Fuels Committee of the Rio de Janeiro Section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/RJ), with term of office for 2019/2021. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Laws, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Specialization in Corporate Law and Capital Markets, Fundação Getulio Vargas – FGV Direito Rio de Janeiro, Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in Contracts and Project Finance, University of Chicago RECOGNITION: Chambers Global – Oil & Gas (2015 – 2019), Chambers Latin America – Oil & Gas (2015 – 2020), LACCA Approved – Corporate/M&A; Energy (2018 – 2019), The Legal 500 – Next generation lawyers: Energy and Natural Resources: hydrocarbons (2015 – 2019), Who’s Who Legal Brazil – Energy (2018 – 2019)
		Fernando Neder dos Santos, Business Development Manager NALCO Champion, an Ecolab Company Chemical Engineer graduated at UFRJ in 2005, 14 years working in the oil & gas industry in drilling, completion and production.
		Justin Pizzitola \| Technical Solutions Lead Oceaneering International Held several positions within Oil & Gas Service companies for around 15 years, the last 10 years with Oceaneering. The first half of career was spent in operational roles, everything from offshore ROV, specialized ROV tooling, intervention operations, and onshore special projects management. The latter part has been spent in a technical solutions role, supporting operators with flow assurance and production enhancement type solutions and execution.
		Ricardo Toneto de Melo \| Subsea EPCI Department Manager Petrobras Ricardo Toneto de Melo was promoted to the Subsea EPCI Department Manager at Petrobras in March 2019 from his previous role as Subsea Manager for Libra Project in Petrobras. Prior to these positions, he worked in various projects in Petrobras, including deepwater pos-salt and pre-salt projects. Some of these roles included Subsea Systems Engineer, Project Management Practices applied in Subsea, Subsea Project Manager, Subsea Engineering Manager. Toneto holds a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering since 1995. He has three specialist degrees: Subsea Engineering, Planning Engineering and Maintenance Engineering. He has more than 20 years’ experience in engineering and project management and has worked for Petrobras for more than 13 years.
		Eduardo Fontes \| Commercial Superintendent Pottencial Seguradora Eduardo has 15 years of insurance business. Graduated in Business at IBMEC and with specialization in Management from the Northwestern University. While working at Allianz Group, JLT and Pottencial Seguradora Eduardo has been able to assist most all major companies and entities in the Oil and Gas business in business solutions for their operations. He has deep knowledge in the oil & gas, shipbuilding, upstream industries, working consistently with Brazilian and international companies. Eduardo also assists a number of energy and infrastructure companies in Brazil and abroad with settling in Brazil and throughout their respective operations. Recognized for his knowledge in the Surety market, Eduardo has been responsible for advising and analyzing several projects and companies in the past ANP rounds.
		José Eduardo Gerk \| President Director Pré-Sal Petróleo Educated at the Military Engineering Institute (IME – Instituto Militar de Engenharia), with a master’s degree and doctorate in mechanical engineering from COPPE/UFRJ (Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Engineering Research of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and specialization in Petroleum Engineering at Petrobras University, Gerk has 30 years” experience in the oil and gas industry. The engineer began his career at Petrobras, later acting as a consultant and business administrator and is full professor of the engineering program of the Veiga de Almeida University.
		Gilberta Lucchesi \| Deputy Chief Financial Officer Repsol Sinopec Brasil Gilberta Lucchesi is the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Repsol Sinopec Brasil. Lawyer with a Post Graduate degree in Corporate Law and a Master Degree in Legal (UFRJ), she is an executive with a very solid background in oil and gas operations, upstream and downstream processes, as well as finance, with strong knowledge in taxes. Over 22 years of experience in financial area, Gilberta has worked in multidisciplinary and multicultural companies and has performed relevant roles related to financial activities. For the last 13 years, she has focused on the oil and gas industry, on upstream and downstream operations. Gilberta has broad experience in representing industry in dealing with Brazilian Authorities (ANP, Receita Federal, Ministério da Economia and Ministério de Minas e Energia, OCDE) with positive results for the O&G industry such as the recent change in the REPETRO Regime, Special Participation and Transfer Pricing rules, being responsible for obtaining the Special Regime enabling Repsol Sinopec to be the first IOC to perform Ship to Ship operations in Brazil. Furthermore, she has been appointed as GETAP (Grupo de Estudos Tributários Aplicados) director in 2017, contributing for the improvement of the country’s tax legislation, aiming at simplicity, neutrality, efficiency and rationality.
		Lauro Puppim \| Commercial and Tendering Manager Saipem Lauro Puppim holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Project Management. He started his career in the subsea engineering area of Petrobras, holding several positions in the company, among them project manager for subsea production development, manager of IRM of SURF (subsea umbilical, risers and flowlines) and also of engineering and installation of SPS (subsea production system). He joined Saipem do Brasil initially as Subsea Equipment Manager, later as SURF Business Development and currently he is responsible for the Commercial and Tendering area of Saipem do Brasil. He is also Director of ABESPetro, the Brazilian association of Contractors for Oil & Gas Industry.
		Daniel Green \| Project Finance Sector Head for O&G Santander Daniel Green has been serving as Executive Director of Santander’s project finance team since 2015, and is currently responsible for the coverage of O&G, transmission lines and social infrastructure segments. Daniel has worked actively in several different transactions encompassing financial advisories, liability management and the structuring of bridges and long term financing with commercial banks, development banks, multilateral agencies, ECAs and capital markets. Prior to joining Santander, Daniel worked for three years as CFO of a SME retail company and previously for six years in Morgan Stanley Investment Banking and Fixed Income Capital Markets areas, providing advisory services as well structuring equity and debt capital markets transactions. Daniel holds a MBA in Business Administration from Insper (São Paulo) and has a bachelor degree in Production Engineering from Escola Politécnica (Universidade de São Paulo).
		Eduardo Chamusca \| Brazil Country Director SBM Offshore Eduardo Chamusca joined SBM Offshore in May 2013 as the Business Development Director in Brazil, responsible for SBM 1s in-country sales activities for FPSO 1s, Turrets, mooring systems and further products. Three years later, in May 2016, he was appointed as the General Manager for OPS – a joint-venture between SBM Offshore and Sonangol in Angola – where he led the operations of SBM 1s second largest market worldwide. Back to Brazil in March 2018, Eduardo now faces the challenge to lead SBM Brazil in building strong customer relationships and securing the position as one of the largest players in the market. As a seasoned executive, Eduardo holds a significant track record in the Oil & Gas Industry, working in key deep water projects in Brazil and Africa, with experiences in several management/leadership roles. He is a Brazilian Citizen, married with two children, bachelor in Electronic Engineering by Griffith Federal University in Australia with an MBA in Business Management with IBMEC and ongoing Masters in Business Economics in Energy with PUC-Rio.
		Philippe Herve \| VP Solutions SparkCognition Philippe Herve joined SparkCognition as the VP of Solutions. He is a multilingual executive with U.S. and international success in operations, technology, business development, marketing, sales, and client relations. Herve started working with artificial intelligence in 1985. Herve’s comprehensive experience in oil and gas spans large-scale project leadership, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and operations. Herve holds multiple patents for the use of ultrasonic energy in well inspections, and has authored many technical papers. He is a member of professional organizations including the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Over the years, Herve has frequently been published in Bloomberg, Oil & Gas Journal, Journal of Petroleum Technology, World Oil, The Houston Chronicle, Drilling Contractor, and is a frequent speaker on diverse management and engineering subjects.
		Patricia Grabowsky \| Head of Innovations Subsea 7 Materials Engineer graduated in Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Executive Certificate in Innovation & Strategy from MIT Sloan, member of the Innovation Reference Center from Fundação Dom Cabral, with more than 10 yrs of experience in the O&G industry.
		Rogério Campos \| Partner – Oil & Gas Veirano Advogados Rogério has more than 15 years of experience practicing law, with a strong focus on general contractual and corporate law. He has deep knowledge in the oil & gas, shipping, defense and security industries, working consistently with Brazilian and international companies. Rogério also assists a number of energy and infrastructure companies in Brazil and abroad with settling in Brazil and throughout their respective operations, including project finance. Rogério has also advised clients with multiple mergers, acquisitions and restructuring transactions, with particular experience in due diligence, drafting sessions and negotiation of the respective agreements. Focusing on the infrastructure, oil & gas, and shipbuilding industries, Rogério is also experienced in the various legal aspects related to the defense and security industries, regularly advising local and foreign companies on the negotiation of their contracts with the Brazilian Armed Forces. Recognized for his knowledge of the Petrobras bid system, Rogério advises clients on the revision of Petrobras bid documents (including farm-out agreements), assessing their main risks and liabilities, drafting requests for clarification during tenders and direct negotiations, attending bid-related meetings, as well as, preparing bid-related documents and appeals against decisions of the bid committees. Rogério also works with Maritime Law and shipbuilding clients, including revision and negotiations of financing and respective collateralization, building, chartering and operation contracts, as well as assisting its clients in the attainment of all regulatory requirements of navigation companies and their Brazilian or foreign-flagged vessels. Prior to joining Veirano Advogados, Rogério was seconded to Petrobras for more than two years where he gained significant experience with the Petrobras bid process. Rogério has worked as an international associate of the law firm Paul Hastings LLP, in New York, NY, between the years of 2015 and 2016.
		André de Souza Carvalho \| Partner Veirano Advogados André Carvalho focuses his practice on tax consulting, with particular expertise in the oil and gas and shipping industries. A significant part of his time is also devoted to clients in the mining industry as well as private clients and tax and estate planning associated thereto. Mr. Carvalho has represented a broad range of top-tier companies on issues surrounding oil and gas exploration, production, and structuring of investments for acquisition and divestiture, both inbound and outbound. He regularly advises some of the world’s most prominent oilfield services and shipping companies and guides them through the complexities of Brazilian tax and customs regulations. He began counseling clients in the late 1990s in the early phases of the rebirth of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry and continues to be a recognized expert on the legislation that affects this important industry. Additionally, Mr. Carvalho has developed a strong expertise in cross-border tax issues and the application of tax treaties for a wide cross-section of business and industries. Mr. Carvalho is a frequent speaker, in both Brazil and internationally, on tax issues related to corporate structuring and the oil and gas and mining industries. He is also a recognized expert on regulatory tax matters associated with the offshore industry. Mr. Carvalho is a Director of the Brazilian chapter of the International Fiscal Association (IFA), a position he has held for more than five years and was also a member of the Central Committee of the YIN – Young IFA Network in 2010-2011. Several universities and educational institutions benefit from Mr. Carvalho’s expertise because he is a frequent lecturer on international tax issues. He is also an active member of the Research and Support Committee of ‘Revista de Direito Tributário Internacional’, a leading publication in the field of international taxation in Brazil. Before joining Veirano in 1997, Mr. Carvalho worked for one of the Big Four Accounting Firms, specializing in tax advisory.
		Joel Thigpen \| General Manager, Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling Wärtsilä Mr. Thigpen joined Wärtsilä in June 2015 as the US Sales Manager for Oil & Gas. In 2018 Joel was named General Manager of Segment Sales – Offshore Drilling and currently focuses his attention on leading the industry transformation towards a Smart Offshore Ecosystem. Including his time at Wärtsilä, Mr. Thigpen has served nearly 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. Mr. Thigpen earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a concentration in Management from the United States Air Force Academy.
		Christopher M. Barton \| Senior Vice President Business Development Wood Christopher M. Barton is currently Sr. Vice President, Business Development for Wood. Chris is based in Houston where he has business development responsibility for Wood’s Offshore business unit. He has over 38 years’ experience in the upstream oil and gas industry and has held senior roles with McDermott, ABB, Technip, KBR and FloaTEC. Since commencing his career as an offshore Field Engineer with McDermott in Singapore, Chris has worked in a wide variety of roles encompassing Offshore Operations, Fabrication Operations, Project Management, Business Development and Executive Management. Chris career has taken him to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Australia and USA. His experience covers all aspects of the upstream industry, including B2B publishing and conference management as Group VP and Publisher of Offshore Magazine at PennWell. Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1980. He is married to a Swede and has two grown daughters and one grandson.

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