Our Team

President and CEO

Yachtze Luchin

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Yachtze Luchin had an aptitude for math at a young age, which fostered his interest in engineering, the foundational driver for his success. His talents as an innovative problem solver have led to more than 25 years in a broad range of engineering and leadership roles for major oil and gas companies that include Noble Energy and Chevron.

All of his experiences have given him a keen understanding of not only the opportunities that exist in West Africa, but how Unite can make a positive and lasting impact by enhancing the capabilities of the people and companies in the communities they serve to ensure a more sustainable and prosperous environment for everyone involved.

As leader of this multi-firm organization, Yachtze has assembled a global team of professionals who have decades of experience in every aspect of the oil and gas industry. Collectively they have worked in more than 60 locations on six continents with approximately $14 billion in asset transactions.

Yachtze’s direction for Unite is a focus on development and production of what are considered marginal fields in West Africa, where Unite’s goal is to create more inclusive partnerships with African national oil companies – partnerships that empower oil and gas professionals in the region and economically support the communities in which they work. 

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.

BD Advisor

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.

Communications Director

 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.

VP, Business & Legal Affairs

William E. Lewis, Esq.

Bill Lewis is a licensed attorney with more than forty years of extensive experience in constructing deals, creating strategies and providing critical solutions for corporate executives, senior level government officials, federal, state and local government boards and bodies, administrative agencies and public office holders.

His legal skills include complex litigation, commercial transactions, governmental affairs, and certified bond counsel. He served as an affiliate member of the distinguished national bond lawyers’ firm, Lewis, White & Clay and Affiliates (renamed Lewis & Munday) in Detroit, MI and as lead bond counsel for the first African American law firm to serve as co-bond counsel to the Bond Commission for the state of Louisiana. Bill has also served as senior campaign advisor to several political candidates, creating successful platforms through position papers, opinion pieces, and by collaborating with political, civic and community organizations. He has served as a registered legislative lobbyist in multiple states and federal jurisdictions.

As a consultant and legal advisor, Bill has organized fact-finding missions to West Africa exploring business development opportunities and continues to design economic strategies related to energy, information technology and telecommunications.

Bill served as executive vice president/general counsel for Compact Manifolds International, Inc. (CMII),overseeing efforts to develop domestic and international business for CMII’s facilities’ business and its line of oil & gas drilling equipment and oilfield services. During this time, he co-authored the white paper Breaking the Oil Syndrome: Responsible Hydrocarbon Development in West Africa, which focused on the concept of “local content” to provide self-sustaining opportunities for African economies directly impacted by foreign oil exploration.Commissioned, published, and released by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., in July 2005, it was heralded as a critical analysis of the state of West African hydrocarbon development.

Bill received his BA in political science from Hampton University and his JD from Southern University Law Center, where he graduated with honors, served as case note editor and editor-in-chief of the Southern University Law Review. He is also a contributing writer to the school’s legal journal, The Public Defender. He has published several articles throughout his college, law school and professional career.