Our Team

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Our team consists of professionals with diverse backgrounds in business, engineering, software, chemical, and environmental fields, who are experienced, creative, entrepreneurial, and resilient. They have a strong track record in developing, financing, building, and operating energy infrastructure projects. Additionally, our multicultural team possesses deep market knowledge.

By the Numbers

Members

30

Offices

2

Countries

2

Vishal Shah

Founder & CEO

Vishal Shah

Founder & CEO

Vishal Shah is a leading expert in the field of Clean energy and has over 20 years of experience working with companies in the Global Clean Energy sectors as an investor and operator. Prior to founding Avina Clean Hydrogen, Vishal was a partner at a leading clean energy private equity firm, where he oversaw investments and the build-out of renewable development platforms. Earlier in his career, Vishal held several leadership roles as Managing Director and Head of Global Clean tech coverage at firms such as Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital. Vishal has received several nationally recognized awards for excellence in the solar and clean energy sector. He has worked closely with global and state governments in advising Clean Energy policies, particularly in markets such as China, India, Japan, and the U.S. He was a top-ranked Clean tech equity analyst by Institutional Investor from 2009 to 2017. Vishal has a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and an MBA from INSEAD, France.

Steven Berkenfeld

Board Director, Chief Strategy Officer Brightcore

Steven Berkenfeld

Board Director, Chief Strategy Officer Brightcore

Steven Berkenfeld is a seasoned industry veteran within both the clean energy and finance industries, spending more than 30 years at Lehman Brothers/Barclays Capital. Most recently, he served as a managing director in investment banking for Barclays Capital for 11 years. In this role, he was a senior sponsor of its Social Impact Banking Initiative and co-headed the firm’s Cleantech Initiative. He also led the banking effort for emerging industrial technology companies. Previously, he was a managing director at Lehman Brothers where he spent 22 years in various senior roles including chief investment officer of the private equity division, chairman of the Transaction Approval Committee, and head of the Legal, Compliance and Audit departments. From 2012-2018, Berkenfeld also was a board member and chair of the Sierra Club Foundation, a non-profit entity whose mission is to promote efforts to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment.

Bob Oesterreich

Board Director, VP of Global Hydrogen Sales and Chart Industries

Bob Oesterreich

Board Director, VP of Global Hydrogen Sales and Chart Industries

Bob Oesterreich is the Vice President of Global Hydrogen Sales for Chart Industries. Bob is responsible for executing Chart’s global hydrogen equipment sales strategy in the hydrogen energy markets. His responsibilities include identifying new markets for growth, developing key partnerships, identifying strategic investments, and creating new product offerings along the hydrogen energy value chain. Bob has over 25 years of experience in industrial gas applications, and business development across a variety of industries, including hydrogen energy, steelmaking, aluminum and photovoltaics. Prior to joining Chart, Bob spent 20 years developing the US hydrogen energy business for Air Liquide. This included developing new hydrogen supply chains, building and operating hydrogen hubs and vehicle fueling stations. Bob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

Vivek Sharma

Board Director, CEO of InStride; Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways

Vivek Sharma

Board Director, CEO of InStride; Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways

Vivek Sharma is the former CEO of InStride, a public benefit company that works with major employers to provide their workforce with higher-education opportunities — including degree and certificate programs at global universities — which enhance careers and help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Prior to co-founding InStride in 2019, Sharma worked for 6 years at The Walt Disney Company, where he was the senior vice president of Digital Guest Experience and eCommerce, with accountabilities across theme parks, resorts, cruises, guided travel adventures, restaurants, and retail businesses globally. Prior to joining Disney, he spent 4 years with Yahoo as general manager for Yahoo Mail and Messenger, and vice president of Yahoo Search products. Earlier in his career, Sharma served as an associate partner with the technology practice of McKinsey & Company in its Chicago and Singapore offices. Sharma received his bachelor’s degree in technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, in New Delhi, and holds a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD in France. Sharma serves on the board of JetBlue Airways, including as chair of the Technology Committee. Sharma also has served as an adjunct professor of data science at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business since 2016. He is the author of 2 books: “C-SPARK: CEO-led Workforce Education for the AGE of AND” and “WIREFRAMED: Simplifying Digital Innovation for Business Leaders.”

Thomas Feiler

Renewables

Thomas Feiler

Renewables

Thomas Feiler is a seasoned professional with an impressive 25-year background in the electric power industry. He has held senior positions within Independent Power Production companies and has garnered extensive experience advising executives in both regulated and deregulated power markets across the United States, Europe, and Asia. With a remarkable portfolio of over 8,000 MW of new wind, solar, and battery storage projects in the US, Thomas has played a pivotal role in spearheading development and origination activities. His expertise extends beyond project management, as he is nationally recognized as an authority on energy policy. As a frequent speaker and author, Thomas has contributed significantly to publications addressing various aspects of electric power, natural gas, and regulated industries. Furthermore, Thomas's valuable insights have been sought after in legal settings, where he has provided expert testimony and litigation support to numerous state and federal government agencies, including the United States Senate and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him a trusted resource in navigating the complexities of the energy sector. Thomas holds an M.A. in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and dual B.A. degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, summa cum laude, from the University of Denver.

Prasad Devineni

Project Execution

Prasad Devineni

Project Execution

Prasad Devineni is a highly accomplished professional with a Ph.D. in Chemical and Fuels Engineering and over 35 years of experience in the chemical industry. His expertise lies in global manufacturing/operations, marketing and sales for chemicals, particularly in the areas of methanol, syngas, and chemicals/catalysts. Prasad has successfully managed and executed large-scale chemical plant planning, construction, operation, project financing, global marketing, sales and logistics, procurement, and commercial contracts throughout his career. His role as Chief Projects Officer at US Methanol and Managing Director at New Heaven Chemicals are testament to his skills in executing and operating chemical plants.

Malay Mitra

Electrolyser & Project Execution

Malay Mitra

Electrolyser & Project Execution

A Professional with 27 years demonstrated history of successful working across energy fields of fossil fuel-based power generation, renewables and hydrogen energy. Held leadership positions in Strategy & Implementation, Projects Management, Design and Engineering, Business Development and Head of Strategic Business Unit (SBU) functions in large diversified organization. Joined AVINA Clean Hydrogen in May 2023 and is leading the electrolyser technology and manufacturing initiatives, project development, basic engineering, FEED and detailed engineering, contracts and execution for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects. Also assisting AVINA in building and recruiting for the new India office.

Michael Ginsberg

Technology

Michael Ginsberg

Technology

Michael Ginsberg is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in developing utility-scale solar + storage and decoupled microgrid projects worldwide.He specializes in the techno-economics and scalability of polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer systems and holds a Doctor of Engineering Science candidate at Columbia University. He has a novel patent pending for a carbon capture green hydrogen system, is a LEED AP O+M, CEM, NABCEP PV Installation Professional, and holds a MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. He is the author of two books on renewable energy, Harness It: Renewable Energy Technologies and Project Development Models Transforming the Grid and SolarPhotovoltaic Power Optimization.

Karen White

Counsel, Regulatory & legal affairs

Karen White

Counsel, Regulatory & legal affairs

Karen White is a distinguished New York-barred attorney with over 15 years of professional experience and expertise in energy regulation and law. With a background in business development, Karen excels in managing diverse resources, restructuring operations, and executing complex projects to facilitate corporate objectives. Her comprehensive skill set spans a wide range of energy-related domains, including wholesale and retail electric and gas operations, ISO services, public policy creation, renewable energy, hydrogen project development, and corporate vontracts. Her keen eye for continual resource development and drive for success make her a trusted advisor in the energy sector, enabling organizations to navigate and thrive amidst the complexities of the evolving energy landscape. She holds a juris doctorate and a master's degree in energy regulation and law from Vermont Law School, as well as a bachelor's degree in arts from Vanderbilt University.

Venkat Pattabathula

Ammonia Technology

Venkat Pattabathula

Ammonia Technology

Venkat Pattabathula is an accomplished Process Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the nitrogen manufacturing industry. His expertise spans various areas, including ammonia, urea, hydrogen, gas processing, and energy transitions. Venkat's leadership skills and technical acumen have enabled him to successfully lead projects of different scales, implement cost-saving measures, and drive value engineering. His professional affiliations, such as Engineers Australia and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, demonstrate his commitment to continuous learning and industry involvement. Venkat is a chartered professional engineer (CPE) of Engineers Australia and a registered professional engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), and a life member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Venkat was elected to the AIChE Ammonia Safety Committee in 2005 and has been on the committee since then. He is also on AIChE's Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Engineering Progress (CEP) magazine. He holds a post-graduate degree (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and a certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ram Ramprasad

Hydrogen & Ammonia Strategy

Ram Ramprasad

Hydrogen & Ammonia Strategy

Ram Ramprasad brings extensive market knowledge and key relationships to the table, leveraging his more than 25 years of experience in business development, customer relationships, and operational leadership in the industrial gas industry. Previously holding roles such as Senior Vice President, Capex & Strategy at Linde Plc and Global Head of Business Development for the on-site business, Ram has been instrumental in driving investments and sales growth. Currently, serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at Twelve and an Operating Partner with ARA Partners, de-carbonization focused firms. His academic achievements include Master's and Doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from MIT.

Krishanpal Verma

Hydrogen & Ammonia Engineering

Krishanpal Verma

Hydrogen & Ammonia Engineering

Krishna Pal Verma is a dynamic Chemical Engineer with 12+ years of experience in Hydrogen and Ammonia Process Engineering. Currently, he serves as a key member of Avina Clean Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd., specializing in process optimization and technical services. With a strong background in designing and engineering efficient systems, Krishna Pal Verma contributes to the successful execution of green hydrogen projects. His expertise in process technology and commitment to safety and quality make him a valuable asset in driving innovation and excellence in process engineering at Avina Clean Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd

Advisory Board

Tom Linebarger

Former Chairman and CEO of Cummins, Chair of Hydrogen Council

Tom Linebarger

Former Chairman and CEO of Cummins, Chair of Hydrogen Council

Tom Linebarger assumed the role of Executive Chairman of Cummins Inc. in August 2022. With a decade of experience as Chairman and CEO, Tom has been instrumental in shaping Cummins' success. He has held various leadership positions within the company, demonstrating his commitment to its purpose-driven approach and values. Tom's extensive involvement in global and local organizations, such as Harley Davidson and the Business Roundtable, showcases his dedication to driving positive change in the business landscape. He has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a master's degree in Management from Purdue University.

Susan Dio

Former Chairman and President of BP Americas

Susan Dio

Former Chairman and President of BP Americas

Susan Dio is a proven executive with over 25 years of experience in international refining, petrochemicals, and the oil and gas industry. Since 2018, she has served as Chairman and President of BP America, bringing her vast knowledge and leadership to the role. With a strong record of improving business results while fostering safety and ethical cultures, Susan is passionate about mentoring and developing talent within the industry. Her extensive career at BP, which began in 1984, has seen her take on progressively senior assignments and represent the company on oversight and advisory committees. Susan's commitment to women in the energy industry has been recognized through accolades such as the Manufacturing Institute's STEP Award for Women in Manufacturing, and she remains dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where she resides. She holds a bachelor's degree with honors in chemical engineering from the University of Mississippi and has actively participated in engineering advisory councils at Texas A&M University.

Warren East

Former CEO of Rolls-Royce, ARM Holdings

Warren East

Former CEO of Rolls-Royce, ARM Holdings

Warren East has a distinguished career in the engineering industry, serving in senior executive roles and non-executive appointments for over 20 years. As the former Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce plc., Warren played a crucial role in the company's growth and innovation. His extensive experience at ARM, where he became CEO, contributed to its status as a leading semiconductor IP licensing company. Warren's fellowships and honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions exemplify his contributions to engineering and technology. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Engineering Science and then went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the Cranfield University School of Management as well as honorary doctorates from Newcastle and Cranfield.

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862-406-3001

150 JFK Pkwy
Short Hills, New Jersey 07078, USA

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