Notre équipe

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.

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.