Speakers

Biography:

Akshat Singhal is a sustainability and carbon markets expert, currently serving as Carbon Lead at Olam Agri in Geneva. He has extensive experience in carbon strategy, ESG, and commodity trading, gained through roles at Vitol, Cargill, and The Smart Cube, where he advised Fortune 500 companies on market risks and commodity price forecasting. Beyond his corporate career, Akshat co-founded and led Green the Gene, a global youth-driven environmental movement with volunteers across 63 countries. He has also represented civil society at the World Bank’s Global Environment Facility and served as a Youth Ambassador for UNEP. Akshat holds a Master’s in Commodity Trading from the University of Geneva and graduated as Valedictorian from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.

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Biography:

Alain Savary is the Founder and CEO of CARBONEX and PNZ2050, two pioneering advisory firms dedicated to supporting the maritime industry through its decarbonization journey. With more than two decades of leadership experience in shipping, including senior roles at Massoel Shipping and V.Group, he has built deep expertise at the intersection of operations, strategy, and sustainability. Through PNZ2050, Alain works with industry stakeholders to design effective pathways toward carbon neutrality, helping them anticipate regulatory change and seize opportunities in the energy transition. He also serves on the Scientific Board of AxessImpact, reinforcing his commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.

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Biography:

Alberto Pérez Espinosa is an experienced leader in the maritime and industrial sectors, with nearly 15 years of expertise in sales, business development, product innovation, and digital transformation. He is currently Head of Maritime Commercial Markets at Lloyd’s Register, where he drives strategy and client engagement across global shipping. Previously, he held senior roles at Inmarsat and ABB, leading international teams in energy efficiency, digital services, and marine solutions. Alongside his corporate work, Alberto shares his knowledge as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Geneva. He holds an MBA from IE Business School, a Diploma in Commodity Trading from the University of Geneva, and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

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Biography:

Bas van Steijnen is Chief Risk Officer at Nova Marine Carriers SA, where he leads the company’s global risk management, hedging strategies, and decarbonization initiatives. With nearly two decades of experience spanning energy, commodities, and shipping, Bas has built a distinguished career developing derivative and physical trading strategies, integrating advanced reporting systems, and unlocking new revenue streams across business units. Before joining Nova Marine, he held senior roles at ICAP, Bunge, and Castleton Commodities International, managing freight and fuel trading portfolios and advising on hedging and risk strategies. Bas holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and an LLM in Maritime Studies (with merit) from London Metropolitan University. Passionate about international trade and innovation, he combines commercial acumen with a deep commitment to sustainable growth in maritime markets.

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Biography:

Benjamin Bryant is an Associate in the Shipping Group at HFW LLP, specialising in sustainability and dispute resolution across the maritime and international trade sectors. With over a decade of experience, he has advised on complex shipping, commodities, and arbitration cases at leading firms, including Stephenson Harwood and Clyde & Co. His expertise spans charterparty disputes, marine insurance, and cross-border litigation, with a growing focus on sustainability-related claims in the shipping industry. Benjamin studied law at King’s College London and the University of Bologna before completing the Legal Practice Course at BPP University with distinction.

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Biography:

Dr. Catherine A. is a seasoned energy professional with over 20 years of international experience across trading, risk management, and origination in both physical and financial energy markets. At Global Risk Management (GRM), she leads strategic accounts and biomass origination, leveraging her deep background in bioenergy, oil, and gas trading. Before joining GRM, she held key roles at Ørsted, Santander GBM, and BP, where she specialized in global commodities strategy and market development. Dr. Catherine holds a PhD in Chemistry from the National Research Centre of Sciences in Lyon, France. A trilingual communicator, she brings a global and human perspective to the evolving energy transition landscape.

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Biography:

Deia Markova is a global finance executive with over 20 years of experience leading strategic growth, innovation, and governance across corporate and investment banking. Currently with BGN, she previously served as Managing Director and Executive Board Member at Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking in Switzerland, where she spearheaded Trade & Sustainable Commodity Finance and developed global impact-based finance strategies. Deia has structured and managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, led international teams, and advanced ESG-driven financing models bridging public and private sectors. She holds an MSc in Banking and Finance from Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, a CAS in European and International Business Law from the University of St. Gallen, and a PhD in Diplomacy and International Relations from CEDS. Her executive education includes programs at Harvard, Kellogg, and Wharton, with certifications in AI strategy and sustainable finance. An Executive Board Member of SUISSENÉGOCE and a French Foreign Trade Advisor, Deia is passionate about leveraging finance as a force for sustainability and long-term stakeholder value—combining analytical rigor with a deep belief in collaborative leadership.

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Biography:

Esteve S. is an accomplished maritime executive with over two decades of leadership in global shipping, commodities, and logistics operations. He currently serves as Head of Marine at Aderco and advises through his independent practice, Shipping Investment & Advisory. Previously, he held senior roles at SEA-invest and spent over 14 years with CMA CGM, where he served as Managing Director in South Africa and Deputy Vice President for the Africa & Indian Ocean region. A graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime and ESSEC Business School, Esteve combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, guiding organizations in navigating operational, financial, and sustainability challenges across the maritime sector.

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Biography:

Frederik Moser is a maritime fuels professional with deep expertise in bunker trading and the transition toward sustainable energy solutions. As Head of New Fuels at Glander International Bunkering, he leads the company’s efforts to expand its portfolio of green and alternative marine fuels, supporting clients in their decarbonization journey. His career spans roles at Dan-Bunkering, where he built extensive experience in global fuel trading and relationship management. Frederik holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Southern Denmark and completed maritime studies at the Danish Shipping Academy. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, he is helping steer the shipping industry toward a lower-carbon future.

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Biography:

Gaël Coronel is a Public Affairs professional with extensive experience in Swiss and EU regulatory landscapes, international diplomacy, and strategic stakeholder engagement. He currently leads Regulatory & Public Affairs at SUISSENÉGOCE, where he chairs regulatory committees, develops industry position papers, and represents the commodity trading sector in multinational negotiations and conferences. Previously, Gaël served at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, managing strategic relations with France and Austria, including high-level state visits and cross-border cooperation. Fluent in four languages, he brings proven expertise in government relations, policy advocacy, and communication. Gaël holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from IDHEAP and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Lausanne.

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Biography:

Julie Noller is a seasoned commodity and carbon markets professional with over two decades of experience in European electricity, LNG, natural gas, and emissions trading. At SOCAR Trading, she manages carbon market strategies, leveraging deep expertise in structured products, quantitative analysis, and physical optionality valuation. Alongside her trading role, Julie serves as Lecturer and Programme Lead at HEG Geneva, bridging academia and industry to prepare the next generation of energy professionals. She previously held senior roles at Koch Supply & Trading and Gunvor Group, where she built European power trading capabilities and developed cross-commodity and renewable strategies. Julie holds an MSc in Mathematical Finance from the University of Oxford and a BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, and Management from Brunel University. Known for her analytical precision and practical insight, she is passionate about advancing the energy transition through education and market innovation.

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Biography:

Kevin McGeeney is the CEO and Founder of SCB Group, a global leader in environmental commodity markets dedicated to driving the energy transition. Since establishing SCB in 2006, he has built the firm into one of the world’s most respected brokers of renewable energy, carbon, and sustainable fuels. Prior to founding SCB, Kevin held senior trading roles at ABN AMRO, Gen Re, and Mitsubishi Bank, developing expertise across global financial markets. A graduate of University College Dublin, he has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and the University of Oxford. Beyond business, Kevin actively supports education and community initiatives, including school-building projects in Africa and Asia.

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Biography:

Luke Shu is a maritime consultant with over 12 years of experience, specialising in environmental regulations for shipping. Recognised as a trusted advisor, he helps charterers and shipping companies achieve regulatory compliance while unlocking business opportunities and solving operational challenges. He is known to deliver consultancy with precision and clarity, combining regulatory insight, engineering expertise, and technological know-hows to create practical solutions that add measurable value to clients’ businesses.

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Biography:

Matthis Pasche is a maritime fuels and carbon markets specialist, currently serving as Bunker Trader & Carbon Advisor at Glander International Bunkering in Geneva. In this role, he supports shipping clients in navigating the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and developing strategies for low-carbon and alternative fuels. Alongside his work at Glander, Matthis is Secretary-General of the CTA Association, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange within the global commodity trading and shipping community. He previously gained experience with BRS Shipbrokers and HR Maritime and holds a Master’s in Commodity Trading and Shipping from the University of Geneva.

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Biography:

Ozan Turgut is an experienced shipping executive with over two decades of expertise in maritime operations, chartering, and logistics management. He currently serves as Shipping Director at BGN SA – B Shipping in Geneva, where he oversees global shipping activities and strategic operations. Previously, Ozan held leadership roles at Integra and BAYEGAN, managing liquid chemicals chartering and international trade, as well as at AG Shipping, where he directed operations and chartering for nearly a decade. His career began at Akbasoglu Holding—Akdeniz Shipyard, giving him deep industry knowledge across both technical and commercial aspects of shipping. Ozan is recognized for his ability to lead complex operations and drive efficiency in global maritime trade.

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Biography:

Paul Sébastien is a sustainability leader with over 15 years of expertise in carbon markets, energy trading, and environmental project development. He is the Co-Founder and Director of Carbon Offset Certification, a Swiss-based independent standard for verifying environmental claims in carbon offset products and services. Paul also serves as Partner at Athys Recovery Services, driving biodiversity restoration and reforestation initiatives across South America and Africa, and as Director of Africa Carbon Solutions, advising governments and institutions on energy transition and compliance carbon schemes. A graduate of EDHEC Business School, Paul brings global experience from the financial, energy, and sustainability sectors to advance credible climate solutions.

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Biography:

Risto-Juhani Kariranta is CEO of AHTI Climate, a Finnish company providing innovative tools and services for maritime emission compliance and cost optimization under FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, and CII regulations. A Naval Architect and Master Mariner, he brings over two decades of maritime expertise spanning vessel performance, fleet optimization, and decarbonization strategy. Before founding AHTI Climate, Risto held senior roles at Neste, NAPA, and FORCE Technology, driving digitalization and emission-reduction projects across global fleets. He holds an M.Sc. in Naval Architecture from Aalto University and a Master Mariner degree from Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences. Passionate about sustainable shipping, he combines engineering precision with a pragmatic drive to make decarbonization commercially viable.

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Biography:

Simeon Lachev is the Managing Director of Weromett SA, where he leads strategy and operations with a strong focus on risk management, insurance, and commodity trading. He brings over 15 years of expertise in the energy and metals sectors, having held senior roles at Oryx Energies and Metinvest International SA, where he oversaw insurance, contracts, and legal affairs. Simeon holds an MBA with a specialization in Commodity Trading and a Law degree from the University of Geneva, complemented by advanced training in marine insurance, shipping, and metals. Passionate about continuous learning, he has pursued certifications worldwide and is committed to advancing sustainable, well-governed practices in global trade.

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Biography:

Søren Krogh Hansen is Chief Trader for Green Fuels at Global Risk Management (GRM), where he leads trading and risk strategies across biofuels and related energy products. With over 20 years of experience in financial and energy markets, Søren has built deep expertise in derivatives, market making, and commodity risk management through roles at Danske Bank and Sydbank. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Southern Denmark and has studied finance at the University of Idaho. His focus today lies in supporting clients’ transition toward low-carbon fuel solutions through innovative hedging and trading approaches.

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Biography:

Taghi T. is a senior commercial executive with over 20 years of international experience in trading, supply chain management, and logistics. Currently Acting Chief Trading Officer at SOCAR Trading, he oversees global operations across Geneva, London, Dubai, Singapore, and Houston, leading a team of more than 80 professionals. Previously Co-Head of Global Physical Trading, he was instrumental in creating SOCAR’s largest trading book, handling over one million barrels per day. He also contributes to industry organizations as an Ambassador of the Commodity Trading Club, Advisory Board Member for Carbon Offset Certification, and Committee Member of the Commodity Trading Association. Taghi holds an Executive MBA from IMD and a DAS in Commodity Trading from the University of Geneva. Known as both an industry speaker and moderator, he combines strategic vision with a passion for developing teams and shaping the future of energy trading.

LinkedIn: View Taghi Taghi-Zada’s Profile