Stemming from a commitment to conduct our business in line with the highest standards of an ethical and responsible organization, Cheiron has adopted a proactive approach to corporate governance and put in place a framework in compliance with the corporate governance guidelines of the United Kingdom’s Institute of Directors.
The company is managed by an independent Board, with the requisite skills and experience to effectively oversee and advise on the management and operations of the Company. Members of the board have been chosen based on the relevance of their background and the strength of their reputations.
The Board consist of eight independent and non-independent members, ensuring an effective balance that bring impartiality and drives positive decision making to the boardroom and wider business.
The Company has also formed function committees including Audit & Risk, Nomination and Remuneration to assist the Board in delivering on their oversight responsibilities.
For further information on the Company’s corporate governance framework, please email us at board@cheironenergy.com
Our Board of Directors
Alan Linn
Chief Executive Officer
Alan Linn
Alan has extensive international experience and a strong industry reputation and is experienced in both the downstream and upstream oil and gas industries. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineering having graduated from Strathclyde University, Glasgow. Alan has had the opportunity to hold key roles in prominent organizations including Exxon Mobil, Lasmo, Cairn Energy and Tullow and, most recently, has been the CEO at ROC Oil, Afren and Providence Resources. He has lived and worked in several international locations throughout his career including the UK, USA, Pakistan, India, Venezuela, Australia and Malaysia.
Salah Diab
Chairman
Salah Diab
Mr. Diab graduated in 1972 from the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo. He is the Founder and CEO of PICO Group (a group of companies that has been successfully operating in key sectors of the Egyptian Economy). He is also Chairman of Sunset Hills for Reconstruction Co., a Board Member of Egyptian Multi Investment and Tourism Companies, Co-founder of the Cairo Capital Club and Co-founder of one of Egypt’s largest independent daily newspapers. Moreover, Mr. Diab is actively involved in the local business community as a leading member of the American Chamber of Commerce, the British Egyptian Businessmen’s Association, the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association and the Cairo International Lions Club. He is Founder of the Family Business Program in Egypt.
David Thomas
Non-Executive Director
David Thomas
Mr. Thomas is a seasoned oil and gas industry professional with over 35 years of experience in the sector. He started his career as a petroleum engineer with Conoco, working in the UK and Dubai before moving into reservoir engineering and asset management positions. Subsequently, he joined Lasmo where he became the Group GM Operations and, following the company’s acquisition, held three regional Vice President roles with Eni managing the North Sea, Russia/Asia/Australia and West Africa asset portfolios. Subsequently, David has served on the Board of various public companies including as the President and COO of Centurion Energy, CEO of Melrose Resources and COO of Petroceltic International. He is currently acting as a Non-Executive Director on the Gulf Keystone Board. He has a BSc in Mining Engineering from Nottingham University and an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College.
Shahira Diab
Non-Executive Director and Shareholder
Shahira Diab
“Shahira Diab transformed La Poire from a pastry chain of 20 shops to well-rounded foodservice and retail group of companies, with activities ranging from food production and retail to convenience and fuel retailing as part of a longstanding agreement with ExxonMobil Egypt.In addition to being a Cheiron Board Member, Shahira is on the Board of YPO (Young Presidents Organization) Cairo Chapter since 2007 and she is also Cairo’s Chapter Chair.”
Tawfik Diab
Non-Executive Director and Shareholder
Tawfik Diab
Mr. Tawfik Diab currently occupies the position of PICO Energy Services Holding Company’s Executive Chairman. In his previous role as Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Diab transformed Cheiron Petroleum Corporation from a national player into a leading independent Egyptian exploration and production company with operations in Egypt, Mexico and Romania and a specialization in revitalizing mature fields.
Mr. Tawfik is a member of the Board of Directors of Al-Ahly for Development and Investments and Cairo Financial Holdings and is a member of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA), the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and the Young Professional Organizations (YPO).
Ahmed Darwish
Non-Executive Director
Ahmed Darwish
Dr. Ahmed Darwish currently holds the position of Chairman for the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone and was previously the Minister of State for Administration Development (2004-2011). He was also a consultant to a number of international organizations (UNDP, UNIDO, UNESCO, FAO, ESCWA, European Union and World Bank), government organizations and companies in Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and United States. Holds various awards and is a published and internationally recognized professional.
James Dewar
Non-Executive Director
James Dewar
Mr. James Dewar has over 30 years of international business, finance, accounting and commercial experience. He currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) and Audit Committee (AC) Chair for PICO International Petroleum and Cheiron Petroleum Corporation. He is also a NED and AC Chair for Ambit Energy Corporation, a Nigerian focused E&P company planning a future London listing. Mr. Dewar is also currently the Non-Executive Chairman of lifetile, a technology start up that has raised four rounds of finance for an innovate digital legacy product launched in 2015.
Mr. Dewar previously had a successful executive career to 2011, which included 27 years with BP Plc in senior financial roles, plus a spell as the Group CFO of Dana Gas PJSC.
Board Secretary
Amina Taha
Commercial Manager
Amina Taha
Amina Taha is Cheiron’s Commercial Manager, a position she took on in July 2018. Prior to this, she was the Deputy Commercial and Legal Manager at Cheiron. Amina has 16 years of experience in the field of economic research and policy-making having previously worked as Senior Economist at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and held positions at El Ezz Group, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and the Egyptian Center for Economic Studies. Amina has a BA in Economics from the American University in Cairo and earned a dual Master’s Degree in Economics and Public Policy and Administration from the American University in Cairo in 2009.
Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for oversight on the Company’s financial reporting process and risk strategy, including ensuring the independence and performance of internal and external auditors and assessing the nature, probability and impact of risks on Company’s operations. Committee members are as follows:
David Thomas
Non-Executive Director
David Thomas
Mr. Thomas is a seasoned oil and gas industry professional with over 35 years of experience in the sector. He started his career as a petroleum engineer with Conoco, working in the UK and Dubai before moving into reservoir engineering and asset management positions. Subsequently, he joined Lasmo where he became the Group GM Operations and, following the company’s acquisition, held three regional Vice President roles with Eni managing the North Sea, Russia/Asia/Australia and West Africa asset portfolios. Subsequently, David has served on the Board of various public companies including as the President and COO of Centurion Energy, CEO of Melrose Resources and COO of Petroceltic International. He is currently acting as a Non-Executive Director on the Gulf Keystone Board. He has a BSc in Mining Engineering from Nottingham University and an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College.
James Dewar
Committee Chairman
James Dewar
Mr. James Dewar has over 30 years of international business, finance, accounting and commercial experience. He currently serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) and Audit Committee (AC) Chair for Cheiron Petroleum Corporation. He is also a NED and AC Chair for Ambit Energy Corporation, a Nigerian focused E&P company planning a future London listing. Mr. Dewar is also currently the Non-Executive Chairman of lifetile, a technology start up that has raised four rounds of finance for an innovate digital legacy product launched in 2015.
Mr. Dewar previously had a successful executive career to 2011, which included 27 years with BP Plc in senior financial roles, plus a spell as the Group CFO of Dana Gas PJSC.
Ahmed Darwish
Committee Member
Ahmed Darwish
Dr. Ahmed Darwish currently holds the position of Chairman for the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone and was previously the Minister of State for Administration Development (2004-2011). He was also a consultant to a number of international organizations (UNDP, UNIDO, UNESCO, FAO, ESCWA, European Union and World Bank), government organizations and companies in Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and United States. Holds various awards and is a published and internationally recognized professional.
Nomination and Remuneration Committees
The Nomination Committee is responsible for recommending suitable appointments/re-appointments of Board members as well as recommending and reviewing succession plans for Executive Directors.
The Remuneration Committee sets, reviews and recommends changes to remuneration for Executive Directors, Company Secretary and oversees remuneration for senior management. They are ad hoc committees formed as required.