EIG, an institutional investor to the energy and infrastructure sectors, announced that De la Rey Venter has joined as CEO of MidOcean Energy (MidOcean) and as a Managing Director of EIG. MidOcean is an EIG-controlled LNG firm seeking to create a diversified “pure play” integrated LNG portfolio of high-quality operating LNG projects with strong existing cash flow.
What is Venter’s industry expertise?
Mr. Venter is a 25-year industry veteran with operating, dealmaking and business leadership experience in the mining, upstream and LNG sectors. He served as Executive Vice President of Integrated Gas Ventures, responsible for the majority of Shell’s LNG and natural gas assets, and also as Shell’s Global Head of LNG. He will be based in EIG’s London office.
Mr. Venter has also been responsible for Shell’s CCUS and Blue Hydrogen manufacturing themes. Mr. Venter holds an MBA with Honors from IMD in Switzerland, a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Cum Laude) from the Northwest University and an Honors Degree in Finance and Investment Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg.
“LNG is a key enabler of the energy transition and is increasingly a geopolitically strategic energy source,” said R. Blair Thomas, EIG’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“EIG has long been a key capital provider to the sector and has already invested in nine LNG projects involving both liquefaction and regasification. Adding someone of De la Rey’s caliber to lead MidOcean further shows our commitment to LNG and the energy transition. We welcome him and are excited about the future that he will help develop for MidOcean.”
What are Venter’s thoughts on the new role?
Mr. Venter added, “EIG’s vision for MidOcean presents a compelling proposition for a world that will need LNG for a long time. We share a strong belief in the vital role of LNG, as part of a family of low and no carbon gasses, to help the world transition to a Net Zero future.”
“I look forward to working with the team to build a business of substance, based on EIG’s extensive track record, and for this business to have real impact in this relevant sector of the global energy industry.” Mr. Venter first joined Shell in 2002. In addition to his roles as EVP of Integrated Gas Ventures and Global Head of LNG, he has held diverse positions globally, including EVP Upstream Joint Ventures, EVP Gas & Power Africa, and VP Commercial in Qatar.
