Corporate Governance

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.

Shahira Diab

Shahira Diab transformed La Poire from a pastry chain of 20 shops to a well-rounded food service and retail group, 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 serving as Cheiron’s Vice Chairman, Shahira is on the Board of YPO (Young Presidents Organization) Cairo Chapter since 2007 and she is also Cairo’s Chapter Chair.

David Chi

David Chi is Cheiron’s Chief Executive Officer and has served on the company’s board since May 2025. David brings over 25 years of global experience in the oil and gas industry, with a strong track record of leadership across complex, large-scale operations. Most recently, he served as Region Vice President, Vice President of Commercial, Government & Industries, and Vice President of Assets of Apache Corporation. Over the course of his career, David has held several senior leadership, board and chair roles at various companies and non-profit organizations. He holds a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from Texas Tech University.

Shady Kabel

Shady Kabel is Cheiron’s International Operations Director and is primarily in charge of overseeing the company’s operations in Mexico. Shady brings nearly three decades of oil and gas experience across different roles and organizations. Prior to joining Cheiron in 2010, Shady spent 11 years at Schlumberger working in various regions and positions. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the American University in Cairo.

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.

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

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.

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.