Président-directeur Général

Yachtze Luchin

Né et élevé à Houston, Texas, Yachtze Luchin a montré très jeune des aptitudes en mathématiques, qui ont nourri son intérêt pour l’ingénierie et ont été le moteur de sa réussite. Ses talents de résolveur de problèmes innovant l'ont mené à une carrière de plus de 25 ans dans une large gamme de rôles en ingénierie et en direction au sein de grandes entreprises pétrolières et gazières telles que Noble Energy et Chevron.

Toutes ses expériences lui ont permis d'acquérir une compréhension fine des opportunités existantes en Afrique de l'Ouest, ainsi que de la manière dont Unite peut apporter un impact positif et durable en renforçant les capacités des personnes et des entreprises des communautés qu'ils servent, pour garantir un environnement plus durable et prospère pour tous les acteurs impliqués.

En tant que dirigeant de cette organisation multinationale, Yachtze a réuni une équipe mondiale de professionnels ayant des décennies d’expérience dans tous les aspects de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière. Collectivement, ils ont travaillé dans plus de 60 sites sur six continents, avec environ 14 milliards de dollars en transactions d'actifs.

Sous la direction de Yachtze, Unite met l’accent sur le développement et la production de ce qu’on appelle les "champs marginaux" en Afrique de l’Ouest. L’objectif de Unite est de créer des partenariats plus inclusifs avec les compagnies pétrolières nationales africaines – des partenariats qui autonomisent les professionnels du pétrole et du gaz de la région et soutiennent économiquement les communautés dans lesquelles ils travaillent. 

He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University, and an MBA in Finance from University of St. Thomas in Houston. 

Executive Advisor

Saif Ahmed Alghfeli

Transformational Leader, Innovator, and Advocate for Sustainability

Saif Ahmed Alghfeli is a distinguished executive with over 37 years of strategic leadership and innovation in the energy and industrial sectors. With expertise spanning oil and gas exploration, petrochemical production, and advanced manufacturing, Saif has successfully directed multi-billion-dollar projects and redefined operational efficiency. As the driving force behind transformative initiatives such as the $10 billion Shah Sour Gas Field Development—globally recognized for its technical innovation and safety excellence—Saif has consistently delivered results that elevate industry standards. During his tenure as CEO of ADNOC Onshore and ADNOC Sour Gas, he spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of the UAE’s first female-operated oil fields, aligning with national goals for women empowerment.

Saif’s leadership extends to international representation, having served as Governor and Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors during pivotal times. He has actively contributed to global platforms, including the Offshore Technology Conference, ADIPEC, and GASTECH, influencing key conversations on energy innovation and sustainability. His ability to forge strategic partnerships is exemplified by his role in establishing joint ventures between ADNOC and global industrial leaders. Saif is also a champion of technological advancements, advocating for solutions that address critical issues such as energy efficiency, water scarcity, and environmental preservation. His efforts have not only driven operational success but have also positioned the UAE as a leader in sustainable resource management.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Saif is deeply committed to societal development. He actively participates in community initiatives, supports educational programs, and serves on advisory boards for organizations like Khalifa University and ADNOC’s R&D Committee. A firm believer in fostering talent, he has created mentorship and development programs that inspire the next generation of leaders. Saif’s contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including “Man of the Year” and prestigious industry awards for project excellence.

Saif’s academic foundation in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Arizona State University complements his vast industry experience, providing a robust technical understanding that drives his innovative solutions. His holistic approach to leadership, combining strategic foresight with a commitment to societal and environmental well-being, makes him a transformative figure in the global energy landscape.

VP Geosciences

Bill Sharp

With over three decades of dedicated Exploration and Development expertise, Bill’s geologic career embodies a comprehensive journey through every phase of the Full Life Cycle Management. From pioneering play opening exploration ventures to orchestrating initial field developments and adeptly navigating late-stage reservoir management, he has honed a holistic approach in the pursuit of value creating opportunities.

A track record that speaks volumes as a seasoned oil-finder, having left a mark across the globe in over 20 countries spanning 6 continents. Whether tackling challenges onshore or offshore, conventional, or unconventional, his adaptability and strategic prowess have consistently delivered results that transcend borders and conventional limitations. 
Brings an exceptional proficiency in geologic Risk and Resource Assessment, providing actionable insights to empower strategic decision making and drive sustainable growth.

Engineering Advisory Board Member

Chinedu Ezenwukwa

A seasoned oil & gas professional with over 30 years experience in oil and gas business working with Total Energies, Shell E&P and a small independent operator – Heritage Energy. Have worked and successfully delivered all phases of oil and gas development all the way from feasibility studies, field appraisal, concept identification/selection to development planning & economic evaluation, front end engineering design, detail design, procurement, fabrication & construction, installation, commissioning and startup of multi-billion dollar oil and gas processing facilities and pipelines in onshore, shallow water, and deepwater environments across multiple continents.

Led Strategy development and Business Planning for a major IOC overseeing multiple business entities which strengthened my ability in creating business strategies, obtaining alignment with Joint Venture Partners, making quality decisions and driving business performance for value creation to the shareholders.

I have a strong passion for Environment, Social and Governance aspects of business and have consistently  demonstrated businesses accountability in ensuring environmental sustainability and making positive social impact to the community in which we operate.

Conseiller BD

Herve Plick

Herve Plick is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience facilitating and integrating partnerships between American and Canadian companies into the African continent. His expertise lies in leadership, team management, business development, and operational strategies.

Herve has served as an advisor on multiple projects, providing support to project managers in decision-making strategies.

VP Geosciences

Bill Sharp

With over three decades of dedicated Exploration and Development expertise, Bill’s geologic career embodies a comprehensive journey through every phase of the Full Life Cycle Management. From pioneering play opening exploration ventures to orchestrating initial field developments and adeptly navigating late-stage reservoir management, he has honed a holistic approach in the pursuit of value creating opportunities.

A track record that speaks volumes as a seasoned oil-finder, having left a mark across the globe in over 20 countries spanning 6 continents. Whether tackling challenges onshore or offshore, conventional, or unconventional, his adaptability and strategic prowess have consistently delivered results that transcend borders and conventional limitations. 
Brings an exceptional proficiency in geologic Risk and Resource Assessment, providing actionable insights to empower strategic decision making and drive sustainable growth.

Geoscience Director

Jim Bucci

Over 37 years of experience in US and International exploration with diverse technical skills in prospect generation, seismic interpretation, aeromagnetic/gravity   and petrophysics.

Ten years of experience in over 15 countries with a wide diversity of play types.
Twenty-seven years  exploration/development experience throughout the US, including, Anadarko, Arkoma, East Texas, Fort Worth, Permian, Gulf of Mexico, San Juan, Green River, and Appalachian Basins.

Advanced skills in Source Rocks and resource shales including geochemistry, thermal maturation, petrophysics, rock mechanics, target zone recognition/navigation, and well planning and implementation

Geoscience Manager

Henry Badra

Geoscientist with over 17 years experience primarily in unconventional exploration and well planning, operations, and geosteering of horizontal wells. 

Experience in multiple unconventional plays in the U.S. including the Wolfcamp, Barnett, Haynesville, Woodford, Niobara, and Eagleford. 

Oversaw Geosteering in over 500 horizontal well operations in tight sand and shale plays throughout North America. International conventional experience in West Africa, Europe, and Australia.

Geoscience Manager

Dr John Coates

Geoscientist with 15 years experience, focused on conventional / unconventional exploration and basin / source rock evaluations. 
Extensive experience in the Niobara, Mowry, Bakken, Permian, Wilcox, Frio, Yegua and Mancos plays. 
Ten years experience in international offshore exploration including West Africa, China, Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Strong analytical skills in integrating large geological and production data into geological models.  
PhD in Geoscience from University of Kentucky.

Sr Geoscience Advisor

Alex Clarke

Geoscientist with 7 years’ experience in international hydrocarbon exploration and appraisal operations.
Worked on assets in West Africa, Latin America, and the UK North Sea, and has been involved in a wide variety of projects at various stages of the exploration life-cycle.

Experienced seismic interpreter and integrator of a wide variety of geological and geophysical data to build a holistic understanding of the subsurface.
Alex holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Liverpool and an MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geosciences from the University of Aberdeen.

Production Manager

Dr. Kelechi Ojukwu

Dr. Kelechi Isaac Ojukwu is a licensed Petroleum Engineer with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, spanning multinational operators and service companies. He holds a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, and a PhD in Petroleum Economics. Dr. Kelechi is recognized for his expertise in various areas including Asset Management, Produced Water Management, Corporate Restructuring, Acquisitions & Divestiture, New Technology, and Petroleum Asset Valuation.

During his tenure at Schlumberger spanning 10 years, Dr. Kelechi worked in 10 different countries across Africa, Europe, Australia, and North America, progressing from Field Engineer to Principal Reservoir Engineer – Africa. Subsequently, he joined Shell International E&P in 2000 for another decade, serving as the Global Technology Deployment Coordinator with assignments in the Netherlands, PDO Oman, and Shell UK, where he held the position of Senior Production Technologist and Field Development Manager at the Pierce-North Field.

In 2010, Dr. Kelechi became Afren’s inaugural Asset Manager, overseeing the establishment and operations of its indigenous subsidiary, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN), as the company’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO). He has also held roles as a management consultant for NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation), managing the 2016-2017 restructuring program, and served as Project Executive for Commercial Acquisitions at Oando. Additionally, he was appointed COO & Country Manager at Hallwood Oil & Gas US Inc., a new startup venture.

More recently before joining Unite Oil & Gas in January 2024, Dr. Kelechi led Research & Development at Western Petroleum Management in Alberta and served as a corporate advisor to the CEO of Al Dhafra Petroleum (an ADNOC subsidiary in Abu Dhabi, UAE) on Well, Reservoir & Facility Management (WRFM) strategies.

Reservoir Engineering Manager

Emem Udoh

Emem Udoh is an experienced Reservoir Engineering Consultant.  Thirty-five (35) after graduation, Emem has worked for major oil and gas companies globally, which include Halliburton, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and ExxonMobil Upstream Production and Research Companies.

Emem recently retired from ExxonMobil Upstream Company, after twenty-seven (27) years of working on different international oil and gas fields development projects, such as Guyana Basin, Russia’s Sakhalin fields, Canada’s Hebron, Nigeria’s JV and Deep-water fields. He worked in ExxonMobil roles such as Global Reservoir Engineering Senior Technical Professional Advisor (STPA), Reservoir Simulation Subject Matter Expert (SME), Nigeria Reserves Manager, and Reservoir Technology Supervisor.

Emem holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port-Harcourt in Nigeria and has technical and leadership training certifications from several international institutions.

Development Manager

Dr. Solomon Inikori

Solomon Inikori holds a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Benin, Nigeria, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

He has over 30 years oil and gas experience working with both small independent and Multinational oil and gas companies. About 20 years of his experience was with Shell Oil Company both in Nigeria and The United States. He was a senior oil and gas reserves auditor where he audited Shell oil and gas reserves across the group over a period of five years. Prior to that assignment, he was head of studies for Shell Project and Technology in Houston overseeing multibillion dollars Deepwater Nigerian projects including joint venture Deepwater projects with ExxonMobil.

Since his retirement from Shell Oil in December 2018, Solomon has managed an oil and gas field development consulting business (Integrated Field Development Consultants, IFDC) with offices in Houston Energy corridor and Lekki, Lagos Nigeria where he has led major oil and gas field studies for the eight of the top independent oil and gas companies in Nigeria.

Solomon is proud member of the Unite Oil and Gas International (UOGI) Consulting group.

Drilling and Completions Project Manager

Mark Ratchinsky

Project Management professional adept at leading multi-disciplinary teams and achieving project goals in remote environments. Proficient in complex well engineering projects, emphasizing performance, cost efficiency, HSE compliance and managing project budgets effectively. 

With over three decades of experience in the petroleum industry, Mark is a highly skilled Project Management professional delivering successful and complex engineering projects in remote and challenging environments. His expertise in planning, executing, and managing intricate well engineering projects ensures optimal performance, cost containment, and efficiency.

Having held pivotal roles at esteemed companies like, Shell International E&P, Maersk Oil, Sonangol and Heritage Energy, Mark has honed his skills in project management, team integration, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, Mark has maintained a strong commitment to Health, Safety, and Environment standards, prioritizing the safety and well-being of project personnel, assets, environment and operator reputation.

Drilling and Stimulation SME

Scott Hoskins

A drilling and technology innovation lead as well as front end planning and design for Unite Oil & Gas International. 
Over thirty years of international and domestic experience. 
Previous experience summary with Heritage Energy (Nigeria – Well Delivery Manager), Shell International E&P (Global Drilling), Hess (Central Drilling Technology Team), Schlumberger (ML Completions), he has managed well delivery projects and focused on performance enhancement on 5 continents and in over 26 different operating entities.
He currently serves as the Technology Lead and interface between the operating customers and the execution of projects and is accountable for Technology Innovation and Business Development.

Well Engineering Project Manager

Rafael Bermudez Martinez

With over 24 years of dynamic leadership in the international energy sector, I excel in managing Onshore and Offshore well projects with a steadfast focus on operational excellence, business growth, and HSE standards. Throughout my career, I have overseen the design and execution of over 800 wells globally, spanning diverse geographies including Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, the United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Nigeria, Iraq, and the Republic of Congo.

My technical expertise encompasses Well Engineering & Operation On-Offshore, specializing in HP-HT environments, Completion technologies, MPD, UBD, UBDCT, Wellbore Stability, Well Intervention, Well Integrity, Maximum Reservoir Contact Wells, and Exploratory Projects. As well as being appointed services as Well Drilling technical authority, Drilling Expert, and Research and Development Lead for ADNOC Onshore, I have effectively led operations, ensured standards compliance, and fostered innovation in drilling technologies.

In addition to my technical proficiency, I bring over 10 years of strategic commercial experience,  successfully negotiated multiple drilling services contracts, managed well’s projects, led strategic initiatives toward technology innovation, while cultivated client relationships across international markets. My track record includes driving profitability, spearheading business development efforts, and navigating regulatory landscapes to ensure operational and business success.

I have held pivotal executive roles and board memberships in esteemed industry organizations such as SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers), and IADD (International Association of Directional Drilling), also contribute as a board member of Drillinktech and SEDMECA International enterprises. Currently working as Project Manager for UNITE OGI continuing driving excellence, fostering innovation in the energy sector.

Directrice de la communication

 Sonia Alleyne

Sonia Alleyne is a communications, career and business strategist who has developed effective messaging, programs, systems, and content franchises for a broad range of organizations.

She is the co-founder of Storytellers Magic, a company that helps professionals and business owners craft and develop effective narratives to advance their business goals.

In her previous position, as Press Secretary and Director of Public Information for the New York City Department of Finance, she oversaw communications strategies and branding for the $33 billion agency, also the nation’s largest and most complex municipal tax administration, delivering unprecedented news and media coverage that enhanced compliance and helped introduce protective city-wide policies.

Before joining the Department of Finance, Sonia was editorial director at Black Enterprise, responsible for content direction across multiple platforms including television, print, events and digital, breaking editorial exclusives with top business talent, including Oprah Winfrey and Ursula Burns.

In addition, Sonia served as television correspondent for the Black Enterprise Business Report and Our World with Black Enterprise, syndicated TV programs focusing on financial and professional development. She is the founding editorial director of the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, the premier annual corporate leadership conference for professional women of color.

She is the author of three business books, including The Storytelling Business Journal and Good is Not Enough: And Other Unwritten Rules for Minority Professionals, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Literary Award.

Sonia is a graduate of Emerson College and holds a BA in Communications Studies.

Executive Administrative Assistant

Sharion Melton

With over 25 years of experience in managing and supporting complex projects to successful completion, Sharion holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a seasoned administrative professional recognized for her unwavering commitment to excellence. She excels in creating synergies within diverse teams ensuring projects are executed with efficiency.

Her career is marked by a results-oriented approach, where she consistently delivers on objectives while balancing independence with strong collaborative skills. Her ability to navigate complex organizational structures and adapt to international environments has made her a trusted partner to executives and diplomats alike.

Un Avocat Expérimenté et Conseiller en Stratégie

William E. Lewis, Esq.

Bill Lewis est un avocat agréé avec plus de quarante ans d'expérience approfondie dans la structuration de transactions, l'élaboration de stratégies et la fourniture de solutions critiques pour les dirigeants d'entreprises, les hauts fonctionnaires gouvernementaux, les commissions et organes gouvernementaux fédéraux, étatiques et locaux, les agences administratives et les titulaires de charges publiques.

Ses compétences juridiques couvrent des domaines tels que le contentieux complexe, les transactions commerciales, les affaires gouvernementales et le conseil en matière d'obligations certifiées. Il a été membre affilié du prestigieux cabinet national d'avocats spécialisés en obligations, Lewis, White & Clay et Affiliates (devenu Lewis & Munday) à Detroit, Michigan, et a été avocat principal en matière d'obligations pour le premier cabinet juridique afro-américain à servir en tant que co-conseil en obligations auprès de la Commission des Obligations de l'État de Louisiane. Bill a également été conseiller principal de campagne pour plusieurs candidats politiques, créant des plateformes de succès à travers des documents de position, des articles d’opinion et des collaborations avec des organisations politiques, civiques et communautaires. Il a agi en tant que lobbyiste législatif enregistré dans plusieurs États et juridictions fédérales.

En tant que consultant et conseiller juridique, Bill a organisé des missions d’enquête en Afrique de l'Ouest pour explorer les opportunités de développement des affaires et continue de concevoir des stratégies économiques liées à l'énergie, aux technologies de l'information et aux télécommunications.

Bill a occupé le poste de vice-président exécutif/conseiller général pour Compact Manifolds International, Inc.. (CMII), supervisant les efforts visant à développer les activités nationales et internationales de CMII dans le secteur des installations et sa gamme d'équipements de forage pétrolier et de services pour champs pétrolifères. Pendant cette période, il a co-rédigé le livre blanc Breaking the Oil Syndrome: Responsible Hydrocarbon Development in West Africa,qui met en avant le concept de "contenu local" pour offrir des opportunités autonomes aux économies africaines directement impactées par l'exploration pétrolière étrangère. Commandé, publié et diffusé par la Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., en juillet 2005, ce document a été salué comme une analyse critique de l'état du développement

Bill est titulaire d'une licence en sciences politiques de l'université de Hampton et d'un doctorat en droit (JD) du Southern University Law Center, où il a obtenu son diplôme avec mention, et a été rédacteur en chef adjoint et rédacteur en chef de la Southern University Law Review.Il contribue également à la revue juridique de l'école, The Public Defender,et a publié plusieurs articles tout au long de sa carrière universitaire, en école de droit et en tant que professionnel.