After a twenty-five-year career as an executive in the oil and gas business, Michael applies his management and business knowledge to the EnvironmentalSocial Governance (ESG) area. The fossil fuel industry has many challenges in delivering affordable energy to the world while at the same time protecting the environment from excessive carbon emissions. Michael formed ESG Advising LLC in 2021 to provide insight and services to clients who need to understand their opportunities from an application and an investment perspective.
Experience+
Before ESG Advising, Michael was President of Upstream Exploration LLC, which he formed and managed from February 2016 until its successful sale to an NYSE public company in September 2019. At Upstream Exploration, Michael worked on all aspects of the company, including financial, staffing, regulatory, and capital allocation, ranging from $25 to $75 million per annum. He managed a team of fifteen engineering and geoscientist professionals responsible for bottom-line results in a volatile and constantly challenging environment. From 1995 until 2015, Michael held various management roles at RAAM Global Energy Company, responsible for all offshore activities in the Gulf of Mexico. He also took charge of all major commercial contracts and the specialized insurance requirements of the business. He was a frequent visitor to Lloyd's of London, where he developed relationships to ensure the company had special access to insurance products in a highly fragmented market. Using his knowledge of information technology, Michael saw to it that the business utilized cutting-edge technology providing a competitive advantage. He ultimately guided the company through restructuring, culminating in the formation of Upstream Exploration in a Section 363 sale process.
Credentials+
B. Comm. from the University of Cape Town
Masters in Business Administration from Tulane University
Masters in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University
CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing
ESG in Energy: Stakeholder Management– University of Houston
ESG in Energy: Managing ESG Risk– University of Houston
Awards +
Civic Engagement Award at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies for demonstrating excellent academic endeavors and community involvement achievements
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society for Collegiate Schools of Business