Directorate change

Apertura Energy PLC

15 July 2026

 

15 July 2026

APERTURA ENERGY PLC

Director Appointment

Former Senior Chevron Executive to join the Board

Apertura Energy Plc (LSE: VZLA, "Apertura" or the "Company"), the Main Market listed acquisition company, announces the appointment of Chris Steele as a Non-Executive Director, effective immediately. His appointment will further strengthen the Board as the Company advances its strategy in Venezuela.

Based in London, Chris is an American Geologist and highly experienced energy executive who spent 43 years at Chevron (and Texaco) in various roles ranging from technical to commercial. In his most recent role as Director of Commercial (E&P Americas), he led Chevron's Venezuela sanctions effort, bringing first-hand experience to the Company of the regulatory, commercial and geopolitical environment governing the country's energy sector. Chris spent a period of his career based in Venezuela and has worked directly with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. ("PDVSA") and other oil and gas companies across the region.

Throughout his career at Chevron, Chris held a number of senior strategic, commercial and operational roles across Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. These included Head of Emerging Countries, with responsibility for developing upstream opportunities across new and emerging markets, General Manager of Strategy, Planning and Commercial for Chevron's Africa and Latin America business and General Manager for Business Development in Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East.

Chris's combination of Venezuela-specific experience, senior-level relationships, international upstream expertise and commercial and regulatory knowledge will be highly valuable as Apertura assesses and pursues opportunities associated with the reactivation of the country's energy sector.

Greig Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Chris is one of a few senior energy executives internationally who combines deep Venezuela-specific experience, direct knowledge of the regulatory environment, and a career spent originating and executing complex upstream transactions at the highest level.

At what is an exceptionally difficult time for Venezuela following the earthquakes of 24 June, the country is once again demonstrating its extraordinary resilience. Apertura is more committed than ever to supporting Venezuela's recovery and long-term development by contributing to the rebuilding of its energy sector, creating employment opportunities, and helping drive sustainable prosperity for its people. Chris' appointment brings us one step closer to delivering on this commitment.

Chris's relationships with oil and gas companies globally, his track record in emerging market E&P, and his first-hand understanding of Venezuela's energy sector make him an exceptional addition to the Board as we move from strategy into execution."

Chris Steele, Non-Executive Director, commented:

"I am delighted to be joining Apertura at such an important stage in its development. The reopening of Venezuela's energy sector presents a rare opportunity, and I believe Apertura is well positioned to play a meaningful role in that process.

The combination of Apertura's strategic vision, capital markets platform and operational capability creates a compelling proposition for investors but more importantly for the Venezuelan government and people. I look forward to working with the Board as we seek to identify, develop and execute high-quality opportunities for shareholders."

Enquiries:

Tessera Investment Management Limited
Tony Morris
[phone]

 

END