Our team With our global team in Stavanger, Houston, and the UK we deliver deep expertise and strong performance from the heart of the energy industry.

Helge Tveit

Managing Partner

Stavanger

I co-founded EV Private Equity (historically “Energy Ventures”) in 2002 alongside former Smedvig CEO, Ole Melberg. The idea of establishing EV Private Equity came during my MBA studies when I realised there was a significantly underserved market in combining entrepreneurial skills with capital and energy technology.

Ole and I grew the firm with investment from institutional investors, which were initially Norway based, but soon this investor base became international. In 2014, EV merged with Norway-based Progressus, as part of a repositioning to shift the focus to growth companies.

Now, I am the Managing Partner of EV Private Equity and have a deep passion for technology and its potential to improve society, the environment and wellbeing of people. By investing in the technologies that will decarbonise the energy sector, we’re assisting the world as it transitions to a low carbon future.

I especially enjoy working with the dedicated, high powered individuals in EV. All members of the team are self-starters with a strong drive to succeed. Furthermore, I really enjoy the fact that we have a very diverse team with nine nationalities among our employees.

My prior work experience includes working for BP as an executive advisor, for Amoco as a Strategic Planning Director and for Transocean as a drilling engineer.

I was also part of the strategic planning process for Valhall Electrification, the largest North Sea electrification project of its time. I oversaw economic analysis, strategic plans and government liaison to assist the completion of the project, which saves 375k tonnes of CO2e each year.

Education: MSc in Engineering from NTNU (NTH) and MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Board Member:  Geoteric l Read Well Services Holding

Domain specialty: Carbon capture, utilisation and storage

Kjell E. Jacobsen

Executive Chairman

Stavanger

I joined EV Private Equity in 2008 because I found the firm’s vision important and motivating, and I shared the values of embodied by the team.  Now, I’m Senior Partner and Executive Chairman.

I have more than 30 years of cross-sector industry experience. From 2001 to 2005, I was the President and CEO of Smedvig ASA. After Seadrill acquired Smedvig, I served as President and CEO of Seadrill Management AS (Seadrill Ltd) from 2005 to 2008 where we integrated Seadrill and Smedvig, and then executed a significant growth program via acquisitions and new builds, transforming Seadrill into the second largest global deepwater driller at that time.

Prior to joining EV, I was a founding Board Member and shareholder of Inwind, a global player in offshore wind farm installation and operation. For over 10 years, I was also an early-stage investor, Board Member and Chairman for early-stage environmental technology company, APP, which developed and supplied air pollution control systems.

I enjoy growing and nurturing companies across each segment of the energy sector, from oilfield service companies to renewable power to software, working with management teams to accelerate the critical technologies that can reduce operational emissions.

Education: Norwegian Naval Academy, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH), and INSEAD Advanced Management Program.

Board Member: Energy Drilling l FourPhase l Abrado l Enhanced Well Technology

Domain specialties: Energy efficiency

Einar Gamman

Senior Partner

Stavanger

I was the third employee to join EV Private Equity during the second closing of our first fund in 2003. At EV, we have a strong culture and a broad competence span to handle bold technology moves. I have been given the opportunity to steward several such investments successfully through our value chain, from deal sourcing to exit.

Part of my responsibility as Senior Partner in EV Private Equity has been the creation of our Advisory Board. Since its inception in 2005, I have managed its composition of external industry experts and directed biannual forward looking strategic discussions.

I am passionate about sustainable energy technology and the positive impact it can have on the environment. I’ve found that disruptive development can have an affect on both financial and sustainability outcomes.

Using this drive for technology and impact investment, I spearheaded and created a conceptual methodology for documenting the positive impact stemming from investments in technologies focused on enabling reduced greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this, I managed the development of EV ́s proprietary greenhouse gas impact assessment tool, EV IQ (later spun-out and rebranded as xIQ).

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of directing strategic discussions and investment focus on the implementation of our impact strategy, which is focused on delivering financial returns while, in parallel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

I have enjoyed more than 35 years working in the energy industry, of which 20 years were spent in venture capital/private equity. Prior to joining EV, I held senior management positions in leading edge technology companies such as Tentech International, ABB Offshore Technology, later advancing into executive positions in JP Kenny and Smedvig Offshore and directorships in successful growth companies Reslink and Nature Technology Solutions.

Within the EV portfolio, I have been involved with several companies and multiple projects applying advanced sensing, software and fiber optics to measure properties, applying my digital expertise and knowledge to advance these transformative technologies.

Board Member: Cerues I ProSep l FourPhase

Domain specialities: Wind l Tidal l Green Shipping/Maritime Cleantech

Rune Jensen

Senior Partner

Stavanger

I joined EV in 2015 as Senior Partner. I have a particular interest in supporting leadership behaviours and capabilities as part of an overall strategy to create world-leading portfolio companies. In addition, I have had a functional lead role in EV with regards to the stewardship we offer to our portfolio companies. I enjoy the transformative growth and impact we can have through an active and close partnership with the executive teams and other Board Members.

I started my career with Statoil (now Equinor) back in 1981 as one of two employees covering all commercial aspects for Natural Gas Liquids. Building the global client portfolio, as well as being the Statoil representative in various kinds of transport and processing opportunities with other oil majors and international petrochemical companies, gave me a steep technical and commercial learning curve.

In 1987, I co-founded a financial services start-up which became a leading Norwegian player. I was proud to accept the position of CEO in 1990 at the age of 33, enjoying both the responsibility, influence and hard work that came with such a position.

I later became CEO of a global publishing house responsible for operations across ten countries, and successfully opened up two new countries before returning back to Norway after six years abroad.

As lead for the acquisition of Allianse, a software development consultancy and cloud services provider, I took the position of CEO. After a business turnaround, strong organic and structural growth, and IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the company was picked up by a leading Norwegian IT player, returning 4.9x of capital invested.

I later established a private equity fund, Progressus, with local capital. During this time, I held the role of Chairman for videoconferencing company Viju, where we grew revenues from NOK 80 million to NOK 850 million during our 10-year ownership period. Viju, now Kinly, is a globally leading player that has transformed many workplaces by digitising communication processes. In 2015, Progressus joined forces with EV Private Equity, who were looking for growth investment professionals to build their team.

As the world transitions to net zero, I enjoy applying my traditional energy and digitalisation expertise to different sectors within the industry, particularly hydroelectricity. At EV, we are focused on accelerating the technologies that will help decarbonise the energy sector, and I am motivated by this shared vision.

Education: MSc in Finance from Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH).

Board Member: Westwood Global Energy Group l Trainor Group l Add Energy l  Safran Software Solutions

Domain speciality: Hydroelectricity

Greg Herrera

Senior Partner

UK

I joined EV as a Partner in 2006. Now, as Senior Partner, and head of EV’s UK office, my responsibilities range from overall strategic guidance and direction of UK staff, assessment of new investment opportunities, input towards stewardship and exit activity, through to active involvement across our portfolio. Within the EV partnership model I have been fortunate to work alongside many fantastic teams, both leading and exiting investments.

I am a highly networked and energised self-starter with a strong team and work ethic, which fits perfectly within EV’s philosophy and culture. My driving passion is around the intersection of the planet, people, technology and business.

EV’s experience in growing sustainable technology-led investments means we are uniquely positioned to help companies deliver higher quality, high growth businesses against a robust ESG agenda, which has a positive impact on society and the environment, while delivering superior returns to shareholders.

Our core investment focus is on greenhouse gas emissions reduction technologies, which means we are committed to helping the energy sector decarbonise and transition to net zero.

Within EV, I co-led our investment in Motive Offshore, a leading provider of solutions to the offshore wind, power and utilities markets; Halfwave, a firm offering innovative acoustic asset integrity inspection technology to deliver GHG reduction; and Cereus Downhole Technologies, a company developing an acoustic/software technology platform focused on well decommissioning.

Prior to joining EV, I gained eight years of experience in mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, latterly with Simmons & Company International (now Piper Sandler). Prior to this, I gained 10 years’ energy industry experience working for a variety of technology equipment and service companies, including leading the sale of my family-owned downhole technology business.

Education: Bachelor of Engineering Technology from Robert Gordon’s University.

Board Member: Enhanced Well Technology l Motive Offshore l Cereus Downhole Tools l Romar l Deep Casing Tools

Domain speciality: Geothermal

Anoop Poddar

Senior Partner

Houston

I joined EV in 2017, and in my role as the President of EV’s Houston office, I manage firm’s investment activities in North America. It is an amazing experience to work with committed professionals, both at EV and our portfolio companies, who share the highest level of integrity.

Prior to my current role at EV, I was the founding member and CEO of First Reserve Momentum, a private equity firm with $500 million of capital. I also founded and chaired an angel investor club of Harvard Business School alumni in Houston.

I am passionate about investing in and managing technology-rich companies, especially those that substantially improve operational efficiencies and contribute towards global climate change goals. To date, I have helped build strategic value in 16 technology companies, with nine successful exits, across Europe and North America.

As the energy transition accelerates, my focus has been on electrification-of-mobility, digitalisation of processes, improved efficiency technologies for control of internal environment, grid solutions, geothermal tech and solar farm optimization.

Education: M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. M.Sc. in Offshore Engineering from Robert Gordon University. B.Eng. in Petroleum Engineering from Indian School Mines.

Board Member: Evolution Engineering l Rival Downhole Tools l Wireless Seismic l Workover Solutions

Domain specialty: Electrification-of-mobility l Solar technology l Wind power

Pelle Bildtsén

Chief Financial Officer

Stavanger

I joined EV Private Equity as CFO in 2004. Since then, I have been on an exciting international journey with a diverse group of highly motivated and talented people.

I am enthusiastic about broadening our investment strategy to include businesses that can achieve a tangible, positive impact in reducing greenhouse gases and countering global warming. The journey continues to support the ongoing energy transition.

Prior to joining EV Private Equity, I worked as an Advisor in Melberg Partners in Stavanger and as an Associate in Procuritas Partners in Stockholm.

Education: MSc in International Economics and Business from the Stockholm School of Economics, BA in Economics from Yale University and Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris.

Matt Anstead

Senior Partner

UK

In 2014, I joined EV Private Equity in Aberdeen and straightaway transferred to our Stavanger office. After 15 months I moved again with my family to Houston, staying until late 2020 before returning to Aberdeen. EV has been a hugely rewarding experience, involving a great variety of responsibilities. I have been involved in all aspects of our business from origination, investments, stewardship and exits to management and investor relations. I’ve had the opportunity to lead transactions, develop strategies, and help build companies in the US and the UK.

I was promoted to Partner in late 2016, stepping in as head of our Houston office for a brief period, and was promoted again to Senior Partner in late 2019. In 2020, I took over as CEO of a portfolio company based in Louisiana, to undertake a turnaround prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This proved to be an extremely challenging, but hugely rewarding assignment.

EV has evolved to address one of the most vital challenges of our time – climate change. I’m excited to be focused on identifying and building energy technology companies that address the environmental legacy of the hydrocarbon industry and accelerate the energy transition. I am proud to part of EV Private Equity, working with an inspiring team to solve these challenges and, in so doing, generate superior and sustainable returns for our investors.

As part of my role at EV, I have been at the heart of repositioning many companies as they pivot to focus on emissions reduction and growth through sector diversification, helping them transform financial performance and secure new investment/exits.

Before joining EV Private Equity, I was with Simmons & Co. in Aberdeen, where I worked in M&A advisory and subsequently managed a private equity co-investment fund focused on European lower-middle market buyout investments in the energy industry. Prior to that, I was a management consultant with Booz & Co., working on strategy development and restructuring for several of the world’s largest oil companies in Africa, Middle East, Australia, USA and Europe. Before that I was an analyst with Wood MacKenzie and a field engineer for Schlumberger within their international leadership training program, working on drilling rigs and drills ships offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and West Africa.

Education: Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London and MBA from London Business School.

Board Member:  Abrado l Evolution l Romar l SageRider l Fotech

Domain specialties: Grid and storage l Renewable engineering l Project development

Tomas Hvamb

Partner

UK

I joined EV in 2012 as a Senior Associate in the Aberdeen office. I was attracted to the role because it offered the opportunity to make a real impact on the environment, while developing companies with a hands-on approach.

When I joined the company, I was immediately brought onto a deal team working on a US transaction, in addition to getting exposure to most other parts of the private equity business.

A large part of my job is working alongside people with different skillsets and backgrounds. Being able to identify and assemble great teams is a key part of this job, both internally and in our portfolio companies.

In addition to my role, I sit on the board of five EV portfolio companies, three of which I have been working with from origination stage. Following a business from origination to exit path, working with fellow board members and management teams on growth strategy, M&A and exit planning, is the most exciting part of my job.

Within my role at EV, I’m currently leading an internal project aiming to enhance our digital capabilities, both across existing portfolio companies as well as in new investments. The aim is to create a robust process framework that captures business status, opportunities, and risk related to digital transformation.

I’m also pursuing relevant investment opportunities across new markets that will accelerate the energy transition including the development, construction and asset management of wind and solar projects, offshore floating wind technology, grid optimisation, and waste to energy technologies.

Prior to joining EV Private Equity, I was Vice President at Barclays in the leverage finance team covering oil and gas transactions in the UK. Before that, I spent a number of years with DNB in its structured finance team in Oslo, working on financing sponsor-backed deals across a variety of sectors and geographies.

Education: Executive MBA in Energy Management from BI Norwegian School of Management (Oslo), Bachelor of Applied Finance from Maquire University (Sydney).

Board Member: Westwood, Romar l  Motive l Deep Casing Tools l Aquaterra

Domain specialty: Grid and storage

Espen Strøm

Partner

Stavanger

I joined EV in 2008 as the only analyst covering the offices in Stavanger, Aberdeen and Houston. I experienced a steep learning curve as I worked closely with the senior team on new investment opportunities and existing portfolio companies.

As one of few with only a financial degree, I decided early on that I would dive deep into all the technologies we were commercialising to deepen my skills.

I am currently Head of Origination in our Norway office where my main tasks are to develop a rich pipeline of opportunities in the energy transition space, host weekly deal flow meetings and lead the investments process. This role allows me to see a large pool of interesting opportunities in various stages of development in an ever-evolving race towards a net zero world.

What I enjoy most about working in EV, besides the quality of the team, is the family-like culture. We have an open-door policy; we care about each other and we work hard to make sure that all the companies we invest in deliver on both financial and ESG targets. I have a passion for making an impact, and I truly believe that EV is already well on the way to becoming an internationally recognized leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

I have been fortunate enough to spend four years in our Houston office, where I held the position of interim CEO for one of our portfolio companies. Whilst undertaking this role, we triggered the company’s transition from being a product-focused company, to a solutions-focused, environmentally conscious business by developing a strategy that would see the technology provide a solution to end users that increases production, whilst reducing methane emissions.

Prior to joining EV, I worked for ExxonMobil as a financial analyst. My two years with ExxonMobil provided great insight into how one of the largest energy companies in the world operates. I was able to work closely with all departments in order to analyse, project and present detailed financial information to asset managers for planning and decision-making purposes.

Education: MSc in Finance from Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH), Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA/AFA) from NHH.

Board Member: Rival Downhole Tools l Workover Solutions l Reach Production Solutions I WellConnection Group

Domain specialty: Carbon capture, utilisation and storage

Karem Kobayashi

Director - Responsible Investment

Stavanger

I joined EV in 2014 as an Analyst. In my current role, I am responsible for group compliance, cybersecurity, portfolio monitoring and responsible investment.

During my time at EV and as part of an international team, I have had the privilege of working alongside high-calibre individuals and exposure to the firm’s core activities, from transactions to stewardship and control.

Since 2018, I’ve helped develop EV’s ESG programme, carrying out research, benchmarking and collaboration initiatives, leading to the successful rollout of EV’s ESG monitoring program, the establishment of various partnerships such as the UN PRI, the UN Global Compact, the TCFD and The Climate Pledge, and the A+ UN PRI rating for EV’s ESG private equity practices. In addition, I also forged a partnership with ClimatePartner to certify EV’s Scope 1-3 emissions calculations and allow EV to obtain its carbon neutral label for 2020, and support ClimatePartner’s forest conservation initiative in Pará, Brazil.

Using my previous experience working in the digital arena, I led the implementation of a secure, digital platform to automate the collection and processing of financial data from EV portfolio companies. A few years later, I became responsible for EV’s cybersecurity.

Since then, I have led several IT implementations to improve our information security and supported projects to improve automation and productivity, including automation of the ESG KPI submissions by portfolio companies. The initiative and format of the reports have been acclaimed by various impact management groups and deemed as highly innovative.

Prior to joining EV, I was part of the commercial team at BG Group (now Shell) overseeing emerging markets’ assets, including its previous downstream business in Brazil, where I originally formed part of the regulation team. I have 1 years of energy industry experience and I am an associate member of the International Compliance Association (ICA).

Education: MBA Oil and Gas Management, Robert Gordon University, BA Business Administration, University of São Paulo.

Board Member: MorphPackers l RWSH

Domain specialty: Natural gas

Rajat Maheshwari

Investment Director

UK

I joined EV in 2015 and currently work as an Investment Director in the Aberdeen office. My responsibilities cover the full investment cycle including originating and executing new deals, working with our portfolio companies to help them grow and generate superior returns, and supporting exit processes. In addition, I spend a considerable amount of time networking with entrepreneurs, professionals and advisors to improve my perspective on the market.

EV is a fantastic place to work where I get to learn from talented peers, be creative, and partner with world-class companies that are on a mission to create a sustainable future. Work-life balance is emphasised at EV and the firm provides ample opportunities for you to grow.

I have been involved in the stewardship of a number of EV portfolio companies, including Fotech, a leader in distributed acoustic sensing technologies, which was exited to energy major BP in 2019. We supported Fotech to diversify its fibre-enabled software offering into markets such as smart cities, security, rail and pipelines. I enjoy helping companies evolve their technologies to expand into new markets, enabling them to assist the decarbonisation of various sectors.

Prior to joining EV, I worked at Schlumberger for over five years in global offshore seismic survey operations as a field geophysicist. I advanced my technical knowledge and gained hands on operational experience, which supports my current role when analysing technologies and business models of potential investments.

Education: MBA from HEC Paris, Integrated M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Board Member: Geoteric

Domain specialties: Hydrogen l Geothermal

Kaivan Forouzesh

Associate

Houston

I joined EV Private Equity as an analyst in 2019, progressing the following year to Senior Analyst. My responsibilities include deal origination, new investment diligence and portfolio management.

The EV team is full of talented, intelligent individuals who promote a high level of team-working. Collaborating with my colleagues is always an incredible learning experience. I enjoy working with the team, who are passionate about creating profitable businesses that generate superior returns in the long term, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In my role, I work with the deal team to pursue relevant investment opportunities in new markets, particularly around digitalisation of the energy sector. This includes application connection to optimise operations and improve safety, AI-powered asset management for renewable assets, AI-based pipeline leak detection systems and AI and software driven AUV/ROV technologies.

In addition, we’re currently analysing renewable focused markets which include mobility electrification, efficiency technologies for control of internal environment, grid solutions and geothermal, solar farm optimisation and methane leak detection systems.

Prior to joining EV, I worked as an investment analyst at Miller Global Investments, a investment advisory firm specialising in investment management for families, individuals, partnerships and trusts. In this role, I conducted diligent fundamental analysis to uncover potential investment opportunities within the energy, information technology and industrial sectors.

Education: B.B.A Finance from Southern Methodist University.

Board Member: Wireless Seismic

Domain specialities: Solar technology l Natural gas

Lars Sund

Associate

Stavanger

LinkedIn

I joined EV Private Equity as an analyst-intern in January 2020. I continued to work part-time at EV while pursuing an MSc degree at the University of Nottingham during 2020/21 before starting as a full-time analyst in August 2021.

I am eager to take part in EV’s shift towards the energy transition space, and to be able to keep working with such a knowledgeable and resourceful team. Contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future by encouraging and supporting the growth of emerging technologies greatly motivates me.

In my current role as Associate, I work closely with the deal team in the sourcing and screening new potential investment opportunities. This process includes everything from accessing a company’s ESG impact, to its financial and competitive position. I also conduct and lead valuations, and create fund-level financial analysis.

Education: MSc in Finance & Investments from the University of Nottingham, BA in Corporate Finance & Investments and International Finance from Merrimack College.

Craig McManus

Senior Analyst

UK

I joined EV Private Equity in May 2022 as a Senior Analyst in the UK team. My responsibilities span across the full investment lifecycle including deal origination, deal execution, portfolio management and supporting exit processes.

I was attracted to EV Private Equity’s positive purpose. EV has strengthened its focus on accelerating the energy transition to address the global challenge of climate change. EV Private Equity does not only aim to identify differentiated energy technology companies which can generate superior returns for investors, but insists that these companies must have the potential to enable emissions reductions in order to fit the criteria for investment. I am proud to be a part of EV Private Equity and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Prior to joining EV, I worked in the investments, pensions and savings industry for over four years at abrdn (formerly Standard Life Aberdeen plc) and latterly Phoenix Group in a variety of financial, commercial and strategic based roles.

Prior to that, I worked as an Intern at Piper Sandler (formerly Simmons & Company International), working on M&A lead advisory in the energy industry.

Education: Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), First Class Honours Degree in Accounting & Finance from Robert Gordon University and CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in Investment Management (IMC) holder.

Jackie Burke

Senior Office Manager

UK

I have been Senior Office Manager at EV Private Equity’s Aberdeen office since 2008.  I am company secretary for our UK entity and head up the EV Private Equity Charitable Initiative (EVCI).  My responsibilities include finance, HR, health and safety, events and all administration for the Aberdeen office.  I’m a pragmatic problem solver, a jack of all trades and can turn my hand to just about any task that the team needs.

I enjoy my position in a team that values my abilities and respects my opinions.  Everyday can be different, and I have the privilege of working closely with our very talented UK team.  I am excited by the direction the company is taking in supporting the ongoing energy transition, and being part of the solution in achieving greenhouse gas emission reduction through differentiated technology investments.

I particularly like the work/life balance I am able to maintain, which allows me plenty of time with my family (husband and dogs) and to participate in voluntary work. In October 2019, I travelled to Kenya with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation to build houses and I continue to fundraise back in Aberdeen. I am also the Treasurer for Stoneywood Scout Group. 

Prior to joining EV I worked as a PA at Wood and Office Manager at Knowledge Reservoir.

Education: BA (Hons.) Business Studies from Robert Gordon University.

Michelle Opiana

Office Manager

Stavanger

I joined EV in 2012 and in addition to administrative duties, my role as Office Manager is to support the team, organise meetings and manage events.

I am proud to be part of an organisation that constantly strives to make a difference by accelerating the technologies that will be key decarbonising the energy sector. It is a pleasure to work with such a passionate, driven team. However, what I value the most at EV, is being part of a work family where we look after one another and only want the best for each other.

Before joining EV, I worked as a Facility Coordinator at Norske Shell.

Education: BA in Tourism Management from the University of Stavanger, BA Media Studies from NTNU.

Amy Brownlie

Office Manager

Houston

I joined EV Private Equity in 2019 as the Office Manager for the Houston office.  My responsibilities focus on maintaining the office, including accounting, administration, greeting guests, and organising travel and meetings. I thoroughly enjoy working and accepting new challenges in this diverse role. No two days are the same!

The team at EV create a fun and supportive work environment. They have nurtured an office culture that is the best I have ever experienced.  Even with thousands of miles between our three global locations, the team is unified in our vision for the future to make the world a better place through responsible investing and their technology-enabled impact strategy.

Before joining EV, I worked as a marketing coordinator at AMC, creating printed and digital graphics to promote events for non-profit companies.  Prior to that role, I held several positions within Halliburton including accounts payable processor, process analyst in royalty management and administrative specialist. There, I studied for, and earned, my CAPM designation in project management.

Education: BSc in Psychology from the University of Houston Victoria.

Per Arne Jensen

Operating Partner

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

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Per Arne joined EV in 2015. Before that, he was part of the founding team of Progressus, a PE fund based in Stavanger. For the last 30 years, Per Arne has worked in international markets with internationalisation, M&A, technological development and growth in numerous companies.

Earlier in his career, Per Arne held the CEO position in the porcelain manufacturer Figgjo, where he led the company´s business turnaround and global expansion. Before Figgjo, he was Vice President of IT company Computer Advances Group ASA, where he managed strategic development, acquisitions, IPO work and investor relations. Per Arne started his career with IRIS (now NORCE), the internationally renowned research institute, where he worked on software technology for drilling & well applications.

Find out more about our advisory board here.

Bettina Bachmann

Managing Director, TwoB Consulting GmbH

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Bettina Bachmann has a MSc degree in geophysics from the ETH in Zuerich. She joined Shell in 1983 and has held a variety of business technical and leadership roles in exploration and development, working in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Subsequent strategy and planning roles have included leading a senior leadership development programme and General Manager for strategy & planning in Upstream R&D.

At the end of 2009, Bettina Bachmann was appointed as Shell Vice President for Subsurface and Wells Software in Production and Technology. Since 2012, this also includes Shell’s globally distributed support and deployment teams in the Upstream businesses.

Bettina is now Managing Director at TwoB Consulting GmbH, a firm focussed on enterprise content management solutions (ECM and DMS).

Find out more about our advisory board on our team page.

Ulrika Wising

Global VP Customer Solutions Renewables & Energy Solutions, Shell

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Ulrika Wising has a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has developed businesses across the energy industry, from offshore oil and gas, energy efficiency, digitalisation, to solar and battery storage harnessing a deep understanding of the energy industry.

An entrepreneur at heart, Ulrika develops and executes strategies in both start-ups and within large organisations, leading them to become growing businesses in the energy value chain.

Since joining Shell in September 2019, she has been involved in developing the integrated power strategy before stepping in as acting VP Strategy and Portfolio for New Energies. She has been in her current role as VP Global Customer Solutions since October 2020 where she is responsible for innovation, global marketing, our customer journeys and global customers.

Before joining Shell, Ulrika was VP Solar and Battery Storage at Macquarie Group, where she built a new European business to invest in new energy technologies as part of the energy transition.

Richard Spears

Managing Director, Spears & Associates

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Richard Spears has worked in the oil and gas industry for 35 years and is one of the managing partners of Spears & Associates where he is responsible for leading the firm’s mergers and acquisitions practice. Richard Spears holds an engineering degree from Oklahoma State University and completed graduate work in industrial engineering.

Find out more about our advisory board members here.

Saad Bargach

President & CEO, BRYSS Inc.

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Linkedin

Saad has an extensive energy background, including 23 years of oil and gas experience with Schlumberger. He currently runs an Oilfield Technology Hub with a presence in Houston and Dubai and most recently served as Managing Director at Lime Rock Partners where he was responsible for the firm’s international strategy. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S. in control systems.

Find out more about our advisory board here. 

Monika Inde Zsak

Partner, Wiski Capital

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Linkedin

Monika Inde Zsak has an MSc in industrial engineering and a Master in finance from NTNU and UNSW. Previously she worked as a Senior Manager for Accenture Strategy, advising top management within the Nordic Energy and Renewable sector. In parallel, she was one of the initiators to build up Accenture’s sustainability practice and led the Norwegian team. From 2013-2021 Inde Zsak worked for one of Norway’s lagest utility companies, BKK/Eviny, heading up the corporate venture activity and leading the internal innovation portfolio on corporate level.

Monika is currently a Partner at Wiski Capital, a Venture capital firm providing active ownership and funding to technology startups and growth companies within sustainability.

Monika has also been appointed top ten Young Executive of the Year award by Assessit and serves as a Board Director at several Seed Funds and Startups in Norway

Find out more about our advisory board here.

Kaare Helle

Venture Director, DNV GL

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

Kaare Helle is DNV GL’s Venture Director, responsible for corporate venture activities. He’s been with DNV GL since 2005 and held several leadership positions, mainly within cleaner energy technology and innovation. Kaare is also one of DNV GL’s energy experts that develops its Energy Transition Outlook – A global and regional forecast of the energy transition to 2050.

Find out more about our advisory board here. 

Martyn Fear

Operating Partner, EV Private Equity

Advisory Board / Operating Partner

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Martyn joined EV in 2020 after two years in Chairman/Director roles with EV portfolio companies.  Prior to this, Martyn had a 35-year oil industry career with Schlumberger. He then went on to work with four major operators across ten different countries, latterly as Global Head of Wells for Maersk Drilling in Denmark.  His career has included assignments in wells, safety, performance management, technology progression, executive support, and organisational integration.

Education: BSc in Geological Sciences from University of Birmingham, England, and Advanced Management Program from the Wharton School of Business.