Tellurian gives the opportunity to be part of something special. They are building a global natural gas business from the ground up, and are led by the most experienced professional in energy.

Energy

Tellurian

Khaled Sharafeldin is the current Chief Accounting Officer at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Prior to this, they were with [Cheniere Energy](/org/cheniere-energy) from April 2012 to January 2017, where they served as Vice President - Internal Audit. In this role, Khaled developed a robust internal audit function with a focus on helping management meet its strategic and tactical objectives. Khaled also advised members of the Board of Directors on how to better oversee internal controls and financial reporting functions. 

Before joining [Cheniere Energy](/org/cheniere-energy), Khaled was with Pride International from August 2005 to June 2011, where they served as Director - Quality Management. In this role, they developed an integrated approach to quality and process improvements, as well as quality management, across the organization. Khaled also designed, implemented and oversaw enterprise-wide infrastructure assessment, quality management and quality assurance programs. 

Khaled has extensive experience in developing practical and cost effective solutions to remediate risks while also serving as an expert resource across their organizations with regard to quality management and infrastructure improvement issues. Khaled is known for their ability to partner with leaders of functional departments and geographical locations in order to provide coaching, guidance, solutions and practical tools aimed at improving and sustaining business performance.

Khaled Sharafeldin has a B.A. in Accounting from Cairo University.

Their manager is Octávio Simões, CEO. Khaled Sharafeldin works with Kian Granmayeh - CFO, Keith Teague - EVP & Chief Operating Officer, and Graham Mcarthur - SVP & Treasurer.

Khaled Sharafeldin

John Howie was previously a Vice President at [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs) from July 2003 to June 2009. John is currently the SVP of Upstream at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian).

John Howie earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from [New Mexico State University](/org/new-mexico-state-university).

John Howie works with Howard Candelet - President Driftwood Holdings, Joey Mahmoud - SVP, Pipeline Development; President Driftwood Pipeline LLC, and Tarek Souki - SVP LNG Marketing & Trading. John Howie reports to Octávio Simões, CEO.

John Howie

Souki is currently the SVP LNG Marketing & Trading at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Tarek was previously the VP Finance and Business Development at Cheniere Energy, Inc. from September 2012 to March 2016. In this role, they oversaw systems, finance, accounting and middle office functions for Cheniere's LNG Trading group. Tarek was also responsible for seeking out opportunities in the energy industry to add value to Cheniere's business strategy. Prior to their time at Cheniere Energy, Inc., Souki worked as a financial advisor at [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley) from January 2001 to May 2002. Tarek then became the managing director at Ajax Holdings. In 2007, they started working as the vice president of the commodities group at [Credit Suisse](/org/credit-suisse), a position they held until 2012 when they joined Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Tarek Souki has a B.A. in Economics from UC Irvine and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. Tarek also attended Beverly Hills High School.

Their manager is Octávio Simões, CEO. Tarek Souki works with Anita Odedra - Chief Commercial Officer, Keith Teague - EVP & Chief Operating Officer, and Adrian Reed - SVP, Planning & Risk.

Tarek Souki

Margery Harris is the SVP & CHRO at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Margery has over 25 years of experience in human resources and has held leadership positions at several companies, most notably [Apache Corporation](/org/apache-corporation), where they served as the Executive Vice President of Human Resources from 2007 to 2016. 

At Apache, Harris was responsible for leading all HR organizational activity and partnering with the CEO to optimize the company's organizational structure. Margery also created the first talent development process and succession plan in Apache's 60 year history. In addition, they spearheaded all HR matters related to company acquisition, divestiture and integration initiatives, including the HR integration for $11.7 billion in acquisitions in a one year period and the associated HR divestiture strategy for $12.4 billion in sales. As a result of their efforts, they were able to reduce Apache's head count by 35% and realize a run rate savings of over $55 million. 

Prior to their work at Apache, Harris held HR leadership positions at [Schlumberger](/org/schlumberger), Texaco and Arthur Andersen. Margery holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from [Texas A&M University](/org/texas-a-m-university) and an MBA from [Rice University](/org/rice-university).

Margery Harris completed their BSBA in Finance from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and their MBA in Finance & Marketing from the University of St. Thomas (TX).

Their manager is Octávio Simões, CEO. They work with Tarek Souki - SVP LNG Marketing & Trading, Adrian Reed - SVP, Planning & Risk, and John Howie - SVP, Upstream.

Margery Harris

Graham Mcarthur is the current SVP & Treasurer at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Graham has over 15 years of experience in the energy industry, including stints as Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Venture Global LNG, Inc. and Vice President & Treasurer at Cheniere Energy, Inc. Mcarthur is a highly skilled financial executive with a proven track record of success in both public and private companies.

After completing their BBA at [Texas A&M University](/org/texas-a-m-university), Graham Mcarthur pursued an MBA in finance at the University of Houston.

They work with Pat Outtrim - SVP, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Joey Mahmoud - SVP, Pipeline Development; President Driftwood Pipeline LLC, and Tarek Souki - SVP LNG Marketing & Trading. Graham Mcarthur reports to Octávio Simões, CEO.

Graham Mcarthur

Charif Souki is the current Chairman at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Prior to [Tellurian](/org/tellurian), they were the Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Cheniere Energy, Inc. from September 2012 to March 2016. In this role, they oversaw systems, finance, accounting and middle office functions for Cheniere's LNG Trading group. Charif was also responsible for managing the build out of the ETRM system in London, setting up trade finance and commodity trading facilities with banks, and hiring and building out the accounting function in London.

From July 2007 to September 2012, Souki was the Vice President of the Commodities group at [Credit Suisse](/org/credit-suisse). In this role, they were responsible for seeking out opportunities in the energy industry that would add value to Cheniere's business strategy, as well as arranging financing for development projects. Charif also fostered communication and collaboration between the London and Houston offices.

Souki began their career as a Financial Advisor at [Morgan Stanley](/org/morgan-stanley) from January 2001 to May 2002. Charif then became the Managing Director at Ajax Holdings from May 2002 to June 2006. After Ajax Holdings, they became the Vice President of Corporate Finance at T.R. Winston & Company from June 2006 to September 2012.

Charif Souki attended Beverly Hills High School before studying economics at UC Irvine. Charif then went on to earn their MBA in finance from the University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business.

Charif Souki

Kian Granmayeh was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer in March 2020. Previously, Kian served as Director of Investor Relations since August 2019, Director of Special Projects from July 2019 to August 2019 and as a consultant to the Chief Financial Officer from January 2019 to June 2019. Prior to joining [Tellurian](/org/tellurian), Kian worked at [Apache Corporation](/org/apache-corporation) where he served as a Manager in the Investor Relations and Strategic Planning groups from May 2014 to February 2018. Prior to Apache, Kian served as a Vice President, and earlier as an Associate, at [Lazard](/org/lazard) in their oil and gas investment banking group from 2009 to 2014, during which time he advised on a broad range of advisory-focused transactions, particularly around mergers & acquisitions, restructuring and debt and equity capital raises. Kian holds a B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior from [Columbia University](/org/columbia-university) and an M.B.A. from [Rice University](/org/rice-university).

Kian Granmayeh

Following his studies which commenced with a bachelor's degree in geology from [Newcastle University](/org/newcastle-university) in 1979 and then a petroleum geology master's degree from [Imperial College London](/org/imperial-college-london) in 1983, Martin was employed by BG Group plc and its predecessor companies, retiring after 32 years in February 2014 as a chief operating officer and a member of the board of directors.

He's managed all forms of enterprise in the energy industry, has established a strong external reputation in the international gas business, and is largely credited with being the key architect of BG Group's world-class LNG business. In recognition of this, in 2011 he was the first recipient of the CWC LNG Executive of the Year award.

He was previously (2004 - 2009) a non-executive director of Severn Trent plc, integrated water, and environmental company. He is a former director of SIGTTO, the international organization representing gas tanker and gas terminal operators worldwide. From 2008 to 2014 he was the GIIGNL regional vice-president for the Americas. Between 2015, and 2018 he was the chairman of TPH International, a boutique investment bank based in Houston, Texas.

In January 2014, he was appointed as a non-executive director of BUPA, an international healthcare group. He sits on the nominations committee and is chairman of the remuneration committee.

In June 2014, he was appointed a non-executive director of CCC Energy, a private E&P company with 40,000 bbl/d oil production in Oman.

In February 2016, he co-founded [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) Inc. with Charif Souki and is now the vice-chairman. [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) is developing a ~27.6 mtpa LNG export project in Louisiana.

In June 2016, Martin was appointed as vice-chairman of Hakluyt North a company that provides independent, strategic advice to the world's leading multinationals and financial institutions on complex issues.

In February 2018 he was appointed by Moelis and Company as Chairman of its global energy group.

Martin Houston

Mr. Turkleson began his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen and has served in various financial roles at public companies including in the role of Chief Financial Officer at Cheniere, [Laurus](/org/laurus) and Gulf Coast Energy Resources. His experience includes initial public offerings, mergers, acquisitions, master limited partnerships, project financings and debt offerings. He is recognized for corporate leadership, corporate governance and strategic planning, and working toward stability in environments of change and rapid growth. He has served on the board of directors at ACCEL Energy Canada Limited, Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings, LLC, QEP Midstream Partners GP, LLC, Miller Energy Resources, Inc., Cheniere Energy Partners GP, LLC, and Stone Horn Ridge, LLC.

Don Turkleson

Brooke Peterson has been involved in resort development and real estate for over 35 years in resort areas all over the United States and the rest of the world, including Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, California, and South Carolina, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. He has also participated in the development of commercial and residential property in the urban areas of Colorado. Mr. Peterson also serves as a trustee of several trusts of high net worth families, is involved in non-profits, is the Municipal Judge of the City of Aspen, is a member of the Colorado Bar Foundation, and in his capacity as a Manager of Aspen Blue Sky Holdings LLC and its affiliated companies, is presently involved in a development project in Sun Valley, Idaho. In addition, Mr. Peterson serves as a Manager of Ajax Holdings LLC and is CEO of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse. He previously served as the President of the Aspen Valley Ski Club, on the Board of Trustees of the Aspen Valley Community Foundation, and as an arbitrator and mediator through the offices of the American Arbitration Association.


Brooke Peterson

Ms. Diana Derycz-Kessler is a private investor with holdings in a variety of sectors including oil and gas. Related to her investments she has taken on active operational roles, including special counsel to Bristol Capital Advisors and a 17-year tenure as CEO of the media arts college [Los Angeles Film School](/org/los-angeles-film-school). Ms. Derycz-Kessler’s early career began as a lawyer in the international oil and gas sector working for the law firm Curtis, Mallet, Prevost, Colt and Mosle, and subsequently for [Occidental Petroleum](/org/occidental-petroleum). She worked out of New York, Mexico and other Latin America countries. Ms. Derycz-Kessler launched her private practice with a focus on oil and gas, investments, and capital raising representation. In 2000, she and her husband founded their investment advisory firm which led her to her current role as an investor. Ms. Derycz-Kessler became a leader in UNESCO’s TeachHer program, a private public sector partnership bridging the global gender gap in education. Ms. Derycz-Kessler holds a Law Degree from Harvard Law School and a Master’s Degree from [Stanford University](/org/stanford) and a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the State Bar of California and the [American Bar Association](/org/american-bar-association).

Diana Derycz-kessler

Dillon J. Ferguson is a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in its energy and litigation practices. Mr. Ferguson focuses his practice on oil and gas law, with an emphasis on both transaction and litigation matters. His clients are comprised of companies and individuals who are engaged in oil and gas activities, including exploration, production, processing, transportation, marketing and consumption. Mr. Ferguson has been a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP since May 2016. He was a partner at Andrews Kurth LLP from 2001 to May 2016. Mr. Ferguson earned his B.B.A. from [The University of Texas at Austin](/org/the-university-of-texas-at-austin) and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law.


Dillon J. Ferguson

­­Octávio Simões is the President and Chief Executive Officer of [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). 

Previously, Mr. Simões was President and CEO of Sempra LNG & Midstream where he was responsible for all liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas midstream activities, including [Cameron LNG](/org/cameron-lng), a 12 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) liquefaction facility that came onstream with first LNG exports in August 2019. Mr. Simões joined [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) as Executive Vice President, LNG Marketing and Business Development. He has engineering degrees from the [Georgia Institute of Technology](/org/georgia-institute-of-technology) and from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, and is a registered professional engineer.

Octávio Simões

Adrian has been with [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) since October 2017. He has over 25 years of energy experience across the oil, natural gas and power industries. Prior to joining [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) Adrian was Managing Director in [Berkeley Research Group](/org/berkeley-research-group)’s energy practice. At Qatargas he was Chief Planning and Risk Officer directing numerous companywide initiatives to drive cost reduction and performance improvements as the company was expanding from 10 to 40 mtpa of LNG capacity. Prior to QG, Adrian held various strategy, planning and business development roles at Fortis Energy Market & Trade and Reliant Energy. As a consultant with [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company), Adrian managed strategy and operational improvement projects for clients across the energy sector. He earned his B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and MBA degrees from The University of Texas.

Adrian Reed

Pat Outtrim

Jean Abiteboul is President of GIIGNL, the Paris- based International Group of LNG Importers founded in 1971. GIIGNL has 86 member companies headquartered in 27 countries, and GIIGNL members handle more than 90% of LNG imports worldwide. He is an engineer and was formerly President of Cheniere Marketing Ltd and an Executive Officer of Cheniere Energy, Inc. Mr. Abiteboul began and spent the majority of his career at Gaz de France (now Engie), serving in various executive capacities and on various boards.

Jean Abiteboul

Jonathan Gross is an oil and gas consultant and his company Jexco LLC provides upstream exploration and geological services. Formerly, he was a Senior Vice President of Energy Partners, Ltd., and also worked at Kuwait Energy Company and Cheniere Energy. He served on the Board of Directors for Cheniere Energy Holdings from 2014 to 2018. Mr. Gross is a Certified Geologist.

Jonathan Gross

Anita Odedra

Meredith Mouer

Joey Mahmoud

Joi Lecznar

Mark Evans

Howard has served as Senior Vice President-Projects of [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) since April 8,2016. He previously worked for BG Group for 54 years with more than 40 years dedicated to LNG. He has held many senior LNG operational positions during this period, with six years as Vice President of Operations Atlantic LNG and eight years as Vice President of Operations of BG’s Global shipping. Educated in the U.K. with a Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and CEI in Process Gas Engineering, Howard became a Chartered Engineer in 1989.

Howard Candelet

Ami Arief is the SVP of [Tellurian](/org/tellurian) Production Company at [Tellurian](/org/tellurian). Ami has over 17 years of experience in the energy industry. Ami started their career as a Chemical Engineering Intern at [Goodyear](/org/goodyear). Ami then worked as a Reservoir Engineer and Facilities Engineer for [ExxonMobil](/org/exxonmobil) in South Louisiana and the Permian Basin. After that, they became an Associate/Reservoir Engineer at [Goldman Sachs](/org/goldman-sachs) in their E&P Capital division. Then they worked as the Reservoir & Planning Manager, Field Production Manager, and Development Team Lead for [Southwestern Energy](/org/southwestern-energy) in their New Ventures Division and Fayetteville Shale Division. Most recently, they were the Vice President at Impact Natural Resources.

Ami Arief completed a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from [Virginia Tech](/org/virginia-tech) and a B.A. in French from the same school. Ami then went on to complete an MBA in International Business from the [University of Houston](/org/university-of-houston). Finally, they received certification from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers as a Professional Engineer.

They are on a team with Mark Evans - SVP Gas Supply, Howard Candelet - President Driftwood Holdings, and Adrian Reed - SVP, Planning & Risk. Ami Arief reports to Octávio Simões, CEO.

Ami Arief

Daniel Belhumeur

Keith Teague

The Tellurian leadership team has experience in a variety of industries, including energy, finance, and consulting. They have degrees from a range of universities, including Virginia Tech, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and New Mexico State University.

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Tellurian

CEO and Executive Team

Board of Directors

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