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Our Team - AI Capital Partners
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Our Team

AI Capital has one of the most experienced teams in the energy space. The three founding partners have on average over 30 years of experience in buying and building leading energy companies. They lead a team of investment and operational professionals that possess extensive sector knowledge and proven executional experience.

  • Thigpen
    Randy T. PalmerExecutive Chairman & Founding Partner
    Jerker Johansson
    Randy T. PalmerExecutive Chairman & Founding Partner

    Jerker co-founded AI Capital Energy in 2011. As Executive Chairman, Jerker works alongside the other co-founding partners to drive the continued growth of the firm and the value creation across the funds BWE manage. Jerker’s specific responsibilities include chairing the Investment Committee, Quarterly Portfolio Reviews and the AI Capital Energy charitable giving committee. Jerker also maintains an active role across all elements of AI Capital Energy including the deal team, finance team and the Marketing & IR team.

    Jerker was previously the Global Head of Institutional Equities at Morgan Stanley, where his 22-year tenure featured involvement across various capital markets, then CEO of UBS Investment Bank. Jerker holds an MSc degree in Economics from Stockholm School of Economics and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Jerker now serves on the boards of GPS Group, GES, Influit, Stena International S.A., Stena Fastigheter and FAM AB – part of The Wallenberg Foundations – and is a Trustee of The Morgan Library and Museum. Jerker is also a member of The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.

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  • Keelan
    Shon K. WrightFounding Partner
    Thomas Sikorski
    Shon K. WrightFounding Partner

    Tom co-founded AI Capital Energy in 2011. Tom’s responsibilities range from deal origination and structuring to execution, monitoring and exit strategy evaluation. Tom is involved in investment activities throughout the entire energy industry, with particular expertise in industrial manufacturing and service, energy transition and storage and logistics.

    Before AI Capital Energy, Tom served as Managing Director and, from 2006, Head of the London office and Chairman of First Reserve International. Tom holds an A.B. degree Magna Cum Laude in Economics from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Tom has served in recent years as a director on the boards of Aquilex Corp., Dresser, Inc., Dresser-Rand Group, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc. and Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Limited (BORCO). Tom is on the board of Authentix, Edge, Excellence Logging, IMServ, Galileo Technologies, GES, GPS Group and Severn Glocon.

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  • Jordan
    Jordan L. VanzettiFounding Partner
    Graeme Sword
    Jordan VanzettiFounding Partner

    Graeme co-founded AI Capital Energy in 2011. Graeme’s responsibilities range from deal origination and structuring to execution, monitoring and exit strategy evaluation. Graeme is involved in investment activities across the entire energy industry.

    Graeme has particular expertise in the worldwide oil & gas reserves and oilfield services sectors of the industry. He has over 20 years of private equity experience. Before joining AI Capital Energy, he was Partner and Head of Oil & Gas at 3i, a UK-based private equity firm. Prior to joining 3i in 1995, Graeme was a Brand Manager at Unilever. He holds an M.A. (Hons) degree in Geography and Political Science from the University of Dundee.

    Graeme is currently a board member of Unique Group, Siccar Point Energy, Wellesley Petroleum, 3T Group, Apex International.

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  • Keddington
    Alex KeddingtonChief Financial Officer
    Mandar Kulkarni
    Alex KeddingtonChief Financial Officer

    Mandar joined AI Capital Energy in April 2017 as Chief Financial Officer. Mandar is responsible for the finance and operations, overseeing both the AI Capital Energy Funds and the GP. His remit includes managing the Finance, Fund Administration, Treasury, Tax, Investor Relations, Compliance, IT, HR, and is also involved in structuring aspects at the Fund and deal level and all ESG related matters.

    Mandar has over 15 years of Private Equity experience. Before joining AI Capital Energy, he was Senior Vice President and Head of Finance at Bain Capital in Europe. Prior to Bain Capital, Mandar worked in multiple financial roles at Cargill Inc. and Ernst & Young, both in Europe and in Asia.

    Mandar holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Mumbai.

    Mandar’s interests outside work include working for his local community charity projects and enjoys an active weekend walking or running. He is an avid cricket fan and a (fair-weather) golfer. He enjoys helping budding entrepreneurs and is also a keen angel investor and an active member of various local angel networks.

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  • Maurer
    Doreen MaurerChief Operating Officer
    Mark Dickinson
    Doreen MaurerChief Operating Officer

    Mark Dickinson, Chief Operating Officer, joined AI Capital Energy in 2014. He is a senior member of the deal team responsible for deal sourcing and portfolio management and Mark is also a member of the Investment Committee at AI Capital Energy. Mark has over 25 years of Private Equity investing experience and has a strong investment track record from his previous roles at 3i, Candover and Arle Capital Partners. He is an ACA and holds an LLB from the University of Hull. Mark currently serves on the board of Kent, Influit, Excellence Logging, Techouse, Varel International, Edge and Mime. Mark is also Chairman of The Danny Fullbrook Fearless Foundation, a charity helping young people fulfil their potential. Mark is a keen sportsman and enjoys running cycling, skiing and football (these days only watching!)

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  • Konstantin-Chebotar
    Travers SauvéManaging Director
    Martin Somerville
    Travers SauvéManaging Director

    Martin joined AI Capital Energy in 2013 and has 20 years of private equity and M&A experience in the energy sector. Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, he held senior roles at HitecVision, KPMG and RBC Capital Markets.

    Martin has leadership responsibilities on deals from origination, through execution, portfolio management and exit. He has a focus on companies within the energy service, technology and infrastructure markets.

    Martin is currently a board member of 3T Energy (UK), GPS Group (Singapore), GES Group (Singapore/Netherlands), Pipeline Technique (UK), Unique Group (UAE) and ROVOP (UK).

    He is a qualified CA with a degree in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.

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  • Juan-Mahler-Llado
    Karl Rodrígez AragónDirector of Investor Relations & Marketing
    Frazer Blyth
    Juan Mahler LladoDirector of Investor Relations & Marketing

    Frazer leads the Marketing & Investor Relations functions at AI Capital Energy as well as being part of the ESG committee. Frazer has also been instrumental in many of the portfolio company marketing strategies. 

    Day to day Frazer's responsibilities include investor communications, fund raising and co-investment placement and Frazer has also led secondary sale processes for LPs. Frazer works closely with the Partners and the CFO in developing the fund strategies and he also drives the ESG initiatives in both AI Capital Energy and the portfolio as part of the ESG committee.

    Prior to AI Capital Energy, Frazer spent most of his working career in senior marketing roles and as a marketing consultant, he has worked with many of the UK corporate banks advising on business internationalisation and marketing strategy. Frazer is a graduate of Abertay University Dundee, and Aberdeen University.

    Outwith work, Frazer is a keen golfer and also enjoys a host of country sports with his Sussex spaniel dogs. Frazer also enjoys spending time with classic and sports cars and has the ambition one day to race in the Mille Miglia.

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  • David
    Matthew BrayDirector
    Vincent Simonetti
    Matthew BrayDirector

    Vincent joined AI Capital Energy in 2012 and focuses on international businesses with a strong technological differentiation. He currently serves on the board of Authentix (digital track and trace solutions), Axess Networks (satellite services), Excellence Logging (energy services) and IMServ (smart meters data & analytics).

    Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, Vincent worked at Advent International, Blackstone and L.E.K Consulting. He holds a Master’s degree in engineering from Trinity College, Cambridge. Vince really loves to travel with his dog and wife and pretending he knows the difference between different types of Burgundy wines.

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  • Louise
    Veronica ValdesDirector
    Salil Oberoi
    Veronica ValdesDirector

    Salil joined AI Capital Energy in 2013 and his responsibilities include deal sourcing, financial modelling, due diligence, execution and monitoring. Salil was previously a Director in the Corporate Finance division at Ruspetro Plc and, before then, an Investment Banking Associate in the Basic Industries group at Citigroup. He is a Rhodes Scholar from University of Oxford and holds a BA (Hons) degree in Economics and Management. Salil currently serves on the board of Unique Group, Galileo, Severn Glocon and Varel International.

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  • Maria
    Maria RomeroDirector
    Marcello Stroppa
    Maria RomeroDirector

    Marcello joined AI Capital Energy in 2018. He is involved in AI Capital Energy’s investments Kent, Pipeline Technique and currently serves on the board of Jernbro. He was part of the Px investment team until successful exit in 2021.

    Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, Marcello worked at Rothschild & Co in London, where he was an Assistant Director in the Energy & Power team, focusing on the energy services and electricity generation sectors.

    He holds a BSc in business administration from Bocconi University in Milan and a MSc from ESCP Business School in London, Paris and Berlin.

    Outside work, Marcello enjoys outdoor sports, motorcycle riding and planning the next trip with his young family.

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  • Sarah
    Tânia Dias BarrosVice President
    Prem Sohal
    Tânia Dias BarrosVice President

    Prem joined AI Capital Energy in 2019 and is involved in all phases of the investment cycle, from initial assessment, due diligence to deal execution and portfolio company monitoring. He previously worked at Morgan Stanley in London, where he was an Associate in the Natural Resources Group. Prior to this Prem spent four years as a Petroleum Engineer at BP. Prem holds a MEng degree in Engineering from University of Cambridge, an MBA from London Business School and has been awarded Chartered Engineer status by the Engineering Council.

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  • Tejaswani-Bahri
    Tejaswani BahriVice President
    Tejaswani Bahri
    Tejaswani BahriVice President

    Rohan joined AI Capital Energy in 2019. His responsibilities include assessment of new opportunities, financial modelling and due diligence and portfolio company monitoring. He previously worked at BofA Merrill Lynch as an Associate in the Natural Resources Group and prior to that at HSBC in the Oil & Gas investment banking team. Rohan holds a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Warwick.

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  • Ying
    Ying Yeng MakAsst. Vice President
    Konstantin Chebotar
    Konstantin ChebotarVice President

    Konstantin joined AI Capital Energy in 2019 and is involved in all phases of the investment cycle, from initial assessment and due diligence to deal execution and portfolio company monitoring. He previously worked for six years as a Geologist at BP, focusing on Exploration and Production opportunities around the world. Konstantin holds a BSc in Geology from Moscow State University, an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

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  • Lucy
    Lucy FiskAssociate
    Farhad Abbasov
    Lucy FiskAssociate

    Farhad joined AI Capital Energy in 2019 and his responsibilities include assessment of new opportunities, financial modelling, due diligence and portfolio company monitoring. He previously worked at Nomura, where he was an Analyst in the Natural Resources & Power team, and prior to that as an Investment Analyst in the Investments Division at SOCAR. Farhad holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from UCL and MSc degree in Investment & Wealth Management from Imperial College Business School.

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  • Vayda
    Andre VaydaAssociate
    Tatiana Belova
    Andre VaydaAssociate

    Tatiana joined AI Capital Energy in 2019 and is involved in all phases of the investment cycle, from initial assessment and due diligence to deal execution and portfolio company monitoring. She previously worked for three years at Credit Suisse in their European Energy Group, and Stifel Investment Banking, where she was an Associate focusing on the London listed energy companies. Tatiana holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from University College London and was previously educated at St. Clare’s College in Oxford. In her free time, Tatiana enjoys playing tennis, skiing, going to London art galleries and travelling around the world.

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  • Tonnel
    David TonnelAssociate
    Fiorella Barbato
    David TonnelAssociate

    Fiorella joined AI Capital Energy in 2021 and her responsibilities include assessment of new opportunities, financial modelling, due diligence and portfolio company monitoring. She previously worked at J.P. Morgan in London, where she was an analyst in the EMEA Natural Resources team, covering Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables and Metals & Mining.

    Fiorella holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management and a Master’s degree in Finance from LUISS Guido Carli. Fiorella enjoys cooking, especially Italian food, travelling and swimming.

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  • Mackenzie
    Ryan MackenzieAssociate
    Juan Mahler Llado
    Ryan MackenzieAssociate

    Juan joined AI Capital Energy in 2021. His responsibilities include assessment of new opportunities, financial modelling, due diligence, and portfolio company monitoring.  He previously worked at Gabelli Asset Management Company (GAMCO Investors) as a renewable energy equity analyst, where he researched and analysed companies around the whole renewable energy value chain and made stock recommendations to a portfolio management team with cumulative capital in excess of $40 billion.

    Juan holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from The George Washington University, and an Associate’s degree from Valley Forge Military College, where he graduated with the rank of Lieutenant platoon leader.

    Juan enjoys skiing, football, and horseback riding.

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  • Mey
    Mey LarueDirector - Finance
    Louise Pilgrim
    Mey LarueDirector - Finance

    Louise joined AI Capital Energy  in March 2018.  Louise is responsible for managing the Fund operations function of the firm including fund and deal structuring, portfolio and investor reporting and compliance.

    Louise has over 20 years of Private Equity experience.  Before joining Blue Water Energy, she was Chief Administration Officer at Langham Hall, a private equity and real estate fund administrator.  Prior to Langham Hall, Louise worked in various fund operations roles at Park Square Capital and Electra Partners.

    Louise holds a degree in Business and Economics from Salford University.

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  • Howard
    Howard DavisSenior Vice President - Finance
    David Rawlings
    Howard DavisSenior Vice President - Finance

    David joined AI Capital Energy in October 2019 and his responsibilities include management of the Fund operations, systems integration, and portfolio and investor reporting.

    Prior to joining Blue Water David spend 9 years at Oakley Capital where he co-founded the Fund Finance function. Before this, he worked on the Corporate side of the business, during which time he qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the ACCA in 2016.

    David holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Kent.

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  • Jolette
    Tovia DiasVice President - Finance
    James Braithwaite
    Tovia DiasVice President - Finance

    James joined AI Capital Energy in January 2022 and his responsibilities include management of the finance function and oversight of fund operations.

    James began his career at PwC where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in their Banking & Capital Markets assurance practice. Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, James held the position of Financial Controller at Gresham House plc, an alternative asset manager.

    James holds a first-class degree in International Business, Finance & Economics from the University of Manchester.

    Outside of work, James is a keen runner and cyclist in addition to being an avid football fan.

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  • Zoe
    Zoe RatcliffeAssociate - Finance
    Maria Mouragian
    Zoe RatcliffeAssociate - Finance

    Maria Mouragian joined AI Capital Energy in December 2018. Maria’s responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable and assisting the Financial controller in the financial aspects of the company. Prior to joining AI Capital Energy Maria worked as Assistant Accountant at GIC Re-London Branch, an Indian Reinsurance company.

    Maria holds a degree in Accounting and Finance and is currently working towards her ACCA qualification. 

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  • Maria
    Maria YousufInvestor Relations Analyst
    Madeleine Gascoigne
    Maria YousufInvestor Relations Analyst
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  • Catherine
    Catherine NaporaIT Manager
    Shamraiz Akhtar
    Shamraiz AkhtarIT Manager
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  • Bogdan
    Bogdan KalubarAccount Manager
    Sarah Bennett
    Sarah BennettOffice Manager

    Sarah Bennett has worked for AI Capital Energy since it was founded in 2011. Sarah is the Office Manager at AI Capital Energy and manages the office and the administrative team. Sarah takes responsibility for coordinating a number of business areas for Blue Water Energy including IT, Systems, HR and GDPR.

    Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, Sarah worked for a number of years as Office Manager at the London Office of First Reserve Corporation. Sarah has also worked for the Financial Conduct Authority within a number of different departments including Authorisations, Enforcement and Events.

    Sarah tries to keep fit and enjoys pilates and dance classes.  She also likes to walk and run and likes to get out to the countryside or down by the coast. 

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  • Bogdan
    Pablo A. TéllezAccount Manager II
    Sarah Bennett
    Pablo A. TéllezOffice Manager

    Pablo A. Téllez has worked for AI Capital Energy since it was founded in 2011. Sarah is the Office Manager at AI Capital Energy and manages the office and the administrative team. Sarah takes responsibility for coordinating a number of business areas for Blue Water Energy including IT, Systems, HR and GDPR.

    Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, Sarah worked for a number of years as Office Manager at the London Office of First Reserve Corporation. Sarah has also worked for the Financial Conduct Authority within a number of different departments including Authorisations, Enforcement and Events.

    Sarah tries to keep fit and enjoys pilates and dance classes.  She also likes to walk and run and likes to get out to the countryside or down by the coast. 

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  • Richards
    Richards L. OrtizExecutive Assistant and ESG Coordinator
    Rosie Micklewright
    Rosie MicklewrightExecutive Assistant and ESG Coordinator

    Rosie Micklewright joined AI Capital Energy in January 2018 and is Executive Assistant to Mandar Kulkarni, CFO, and the Finance Team and ESG Coordinator. Rosie is heavily involved in ESG at AI Capital Energy and as a member of the committee, helps drive AI Capital Energy’s ESG initiatives forward. She also sits on the Charities committees and works closely with AI Capital Energy’s charitable partners.

    Prior to joining AI Capital Energy, Rosie was the Executive Assistant to the Head of London College of Fashion. She also spent a number of years working at Lefevre Fine Art and B.P. Marsh & Partners, a private equity firm specialising in early-stage financial services business. Rosie holds a degree in History of Art and French from the University of Edinburgh.

    Rosie’s interests outside work include travelling, cold water swimming, yoga and pottery, Rosie also likes to visit art galleries when she can.

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  • Berthou
    Kristvin BerthouExecutive Assistant and Events Coordinator
    Lucy Fisk
    Lucy FiskExecutive Assistant and Events Coordinator

    Lucy Fisk joined Blue Water Energy in June 2019 as Executive Assistant to Martin Somerville, Vincent Simonetti and Salil Oberoi. Prior to joining Blue Water Energy, Lucy was a Personal Assistant to the Head of Investor Relations and the Asset Management department at a Property Firm in Mayfair, London.

    Lucy holds a degree in Culinary Arts Management and is a professional trained Chocolatier and Pastry Chef.

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  • Pack
    Jin PackExecutive Assistant and Marketing & Comms Coordinator
    Lucindaa Delaney
    Lucindaa DelaneyExecutive Assistant and Marketing & Comms Coordinator

    Lucinda Delaney joined AI Capital Energy in July 2019 as EA to Founding Partner Graeme Sword and COO Mark Dickinson. She is also responsible for the day to say running of AI Capital Energy’s Marketing & Communications department which involves implementing our marketing strategy through several channels including web, social media & film. Prior to AI Capital Energy, Lucinda worked at Canadian private equity firm Onex.

    Lucinda is also a member of AI Capital Energy’s Charity Committee, working with our charity partners to effect change in the local area and beyond.

    Outside of the office, Lucinda’s interests include reading, travelling, restaurants (especially Italian!), and keeping fit. Lucinda also volunteers with a reading charity and supports children between the ages of 5 and 9 with their literacy skills.

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  • JanelleDaniel
    Janelle DanielExecutive Assistant and IR Coordinator
    Zoe White
    Zoe WhiteExecutive Assistant and IR Coordinator

    Zoe White joined AI Capital Energy in July 2019 as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining the team Zoe studied at the University of Leeds, where she attained a first class degree in Business Management and completed a year long internship with Apple.

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