Meet The Team

Dr Keith Guy United Kingdom	Dr Brian Roy USA	Shayam Sunder Mudbhatkal India
Chris Smith United Kingdom	Jesus Gonzalez USA	Peter Wrampe USA
Josef David Austria	Ken Miller USA	Kevin Dinnage United Kingdom
Kevin Baker USA	Wil Ferch USA	Patricio Jarrin Ecuador
Chris Brown United Kingdom	Ruben Botta Brazil	Silvia Marcolla Brazil
Ravinder Singh India	Cheryl Duffy United Kingdom	Wayne Holt South Africa
Andrew Lowe USA

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Chairman and Partner - Dr Keith Guy

FRSA FCGI FREng FIChemE CEng CSci CEnv

Location UK

After completing his Bachelors, Masters and PhD in Chemical Engineering at Imperial College, London, Keith enjoyed a 28-year career with Air Products. This included executive management roles in Engineering, Marketing and Business Development. He was then Senior Partner in a leading industrial gas consultancy before setting up Esprit Associates.

Keith specialises in the onsite and tonnage business, techno-economic modelling and business strategy. He also has been an expert witness in a number of large civil cases. Keith's particular interest is in hydrogen and its potential role in mitigating climate change drivers.

Chairman of Process Integration Limited and a non-executive director of Webaspx Limited.

Keith plays a full part in public life. He is a visiting professor at Imperial College which keeps him in contact with leading edge technologies, particularly for hydrogen and carbon capture. He is a past Technical Vice-President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and is an active member of the Royal academy of Engineering. He is Chairman of the ExxonMobil Teaching fellowships scheme. He is also a Trustee of the Institution of Chemical Engineers Benevolent Fund. He plays a regular part in academic-government-industry committees with particular focus on sustainable development and low carbon energy systems.

He is a member of the Royal London Yacht Club and the Island Sailing Club and a Liveryman of both the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers and The Worshipful Company of Engineers; he is also a Freeman of the City of London.

Keith speaks good French and passable German

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Managing Partner and CIO - Josef David

MSc MBA

Location Austria

Josef had a 27-year career with Aga and then Linde during which he held a number of executive positions. He was Managing Director of Aga Czechoslovakia, Senior Vice-President Aga Eastern & Central Europe and Senior Vice-President Linde e-business Global Program.

Josef is the business process and strategy expert and since 2002 has run his own consultancy business from Vienna, David-shaping-business. He has worked with other Esprit consultants on a number of challenging activities since then and brought particular skills to M&A activities.

Josef speaks German and English fluently, Polish and Czech well and French and Italian at a basic level.

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President Esprit Associates Inc. - Andrew Lowe

BSc

Location USA

Education: Bachelor degree with dual honours in mechanical engineering and metallurgy at Manchester University

30 years industrial and special gases experience with Industry Majors such as Air Products, Linde and Air Liquide (Scott Specialty Gases).

Formed a consultancy in 2005 which became Esprit Associates Inc in 2012.

Andrew has a number of areas of outstanding personal expertise. These include the industrial gas business in North America and Asia and the Pacific Rim and deep knowledge and experience of Special and Electronic Industry gases.

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Senior Consultant - Chris Smith

BTech FIChemE CEng

Location UK

After graduating with an honours degree from Bradford University, Chris enjoyed a 29-year career with Air Products predominantly in project development and project execution. He has been responsible for the bid development, technology development and product design for the very large Air Separation plants for Gas To Liquid plants in Qatar and Nigeria.

Chris has a very strong background of business in Asia especially Korea, China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan having been Project Director for the region for four years. Chris has extensive knowledge of the commercial side of the business and excellent knowledge of joint-venture projects between major industrial gas companies. He also has extensive technical and manufacturing knowledge of industrial gas plants and the management experience to go with it. Chris has his own company www.turnbullsmith.com focused on project management but will play a significant role in Esprit projects.

Chris speaks good French and passable German

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Senior Consultant - Eur Ing Kevin Baker

BSc(Eng), MBA, FIChemE, CEng

Location USA

After graduating at the top of the class in Chemical Engineering Kevin moved via one year at M W Kellog to an eight-year assignment with Shell in the refinery process technology and operations areas.

He then enjoyed an 18-year career with Air Products in a number of increasingly important roles. He started in Europe as a manger in the newly formed global marketing activity and soon became commercial manager for standard plants. In 1994 he moved to North America to take global responsibility for Nitrogen Systems Marketing and moved through the commercial Areas finally to become Director Marketing NA Merchant Gases.

During his career Kevin has had a strong focus on strategic aspects of the industrial gas business based on a deep technical understanding of its supply chain and processes. He specializes in business P&L leadership, product management, market segment and channel strategy, marketing alliances, R&D portfolio management. and new product development.

He has marketed to the full spectrum of manufacturing, medical, educational and government agencies. He has worked in the supply chains of most manufacturing industries: Energy, oilfield, refining, food, metals, aerospace, glass, cement, petrochemical, chemicals, medical, pulp and paper, electronics, government, defense, pharmaceutical and emerging biotech. He has also had responsibility for e-Business and R&D.

Kevin has always had an active involvement in community and professional matters and serves on several Boards of Governors.

Kevin plays folk electric violin in his spare time.

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Senior Associate Consultant - Chris Brown

Oil and Petrochemicals BSc (Chem Eng) MIChemE CEng

Location UK

After leaving Edinburgh University in 1984 Chris joined Esso Petroleum as a Process Engineer. He then moved into consultancy, first with KBC and subsequently with ever increasing seniority to Chem Systems, Arthur Anderson and Wood Mackenzie where he was a Director.

In 2002 he founded Stonedown Limited and has worked regularly with us over the last few years in defining demand growth for industrial gases in the Refinery and Petrochemical industries. He has particular expertise in downstream oil and petrochemicals economics including market and production analysis including market and production analysis, strategic planning and investment analysis.

He regularly works with international e-Chem on an associate basis on petrochemical assignments. During 20 years in consultancy, Chris has undertaken a wide range of assignments around the world in these industries, reporting at clients' executive board and senior management level. These have ranged from high level strategic analysis and corporate planning through industry restructuring support to privatisiation and M&A, asset and operations optimisation.

Through his work on privatisations and industry restructuring he has extensive experience in advising companies on adapting as markets deregulate. he also has substantial experience in petroleum product pricing issues.

Chris has published many papers and appeared several times on BBC news.

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Senior Consultant - Dr Brian Roy

BS PhD, Member AIChE, ACS and AFT

Location USA

After completing his PhD in Biochemistry at McGill University in 1994 and a brief spell at Paprican, Brian joined Air Products as a Senior Principal Research Chemist. He moved into business development and became Marketing Manager, Food & Cryogenics before leaving to set up his own sustainable lighting solutions business in 2008, Sitka Enterprises.

Brian has a broad experience in the development and launch of new products within existing businesses and has been intimately involved in venture investments and strategic partnership management. He has strong technical skills, particularly in chemistry and biochemistry applications of industrial gases and strong commercial skills especially in the execution of new business initiatives.

Brian also brings a strong team building ability through his coaching and development skills.

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Senior Consultant - Wil Ferch

BSME PMP member ASME Contributing Member CGA and EIGA

Location USA

After completing his BSME in Mechanical Engineering at SUNY Buffalo in 1975 Wil joined the then Linde Division of Union Carbide, later Praxair, as a Process Engineer. he enjoyed a 32-year career during which time he moved through Engineering and Operations to senior positions in International Project Management, Global Operations Standards leadership and Business Integration.

Wil offer insight and expertise in Process Safety, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations and Business Development applied to a broad range of industrial gas products. He is valued by past colleagues for his enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge. Since leaving Praxair in 2007 Wil has forged a new career in consultancy and is currently Principal of Nordstern Associates LLP.

Wil is a self confessed car enthusiast " after his family" and a WWII history buff. He is fluent in German and English.

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Associate Principal Consultant - Jesus Gonzalez

BS(Mech Eng) MBA

Location USA

After Graduating from Texas A&M with a BS in mechanical Engineering, Jesus Gonzalez joined the Plastics Division of Union Carbide as a Plant Engineer and after an MBA in Finance from Texas A&M in 1974 moved to the Linde Division in 1978. The Linde Division became the independent company, Praxair, in 1992.

During more than three decades he gained a wealth of industry knowledge by participating in all levels of management and in all Lines of Business. He was finally a Senior Vice-President first for North American Onsites and then for Global Chemicals/Refining and Primary Metals Market.

His hands-on approach allowed him to gain a thorough understanding of every aspect of industrial gas production, distribution and use.

In 2001 he joined forces with Ken Miller to set up O2-N2 Consulting Group, an analysis, consulting and training company providing services to industrial gas producers and users.

Jesus Gonzalez is also Adjunct Professor of Finance (MBA) at St Edwards University, Austin, TX

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Associate Principal Consultant - Ken Miller BS

Location USA

After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1957with a BS in mechanical engineering and service in the United States Navy, Kenneth Miller launched an industrial gases creer that would span 40 years. he was hired by Union Carbide as a Production Engineer for the Company's Linde Division.

Prior to his retirement as Vice-Chairman of Air Liquide America in 2001, he held various positions in production, sales and Business Management with Linde Division (now Praxair), Big Three Industries and Air Liquide.

In 2001 he joined forces with Jesus Gonzales to form O2-N2 Consulting Group providing industrial gas users and producers with innovative solutions.

Throughout his career Ken gained unparalleled knowledge of industrial gas operations, distribution and usage. This allows him to help users and producers impact the bottom line through a more thorough understanding of industrial gas commercial practices, operations, distribution and the competitive landscape.

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Senior Consultant - Ruben Botta

BSC MF

Location Brazil

After graduating for the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Ruben Botta had a number of assignments in Chemical Sales before joining Aga SA (Linde), in the packaged gas division.

After working in Marketing support and New Business development roles he became a South American Regional Manager with responsibility for Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela. In this role he was fully responsible for Aga's Brazilian branches and for the development of more than 200 Distributors in the other countries.

He has an in depth understanding of the packaged gas business and of the South and Latin American Market. Ruben is also a Graduate of North Western Universities Advanced Executive management program and an Industrial Marketing Postgraduate of Politecnico del Commercia, Mila, Italy. He has a Master of Finance Degree from Universidad de Belgrano, Buenos Aires.

A native Spanish speaker, Ruben is fluent in English and has good spoken Portuguese.

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Senior Consultant - Shyam Sunder Mudbhatkal BSc

Location India

A science graduate of Bangalore University, Shyam has spent more than 35 years working in various management positions in the Industrial Gas Business in India.

He has an in depth understanding of the commercial and operational challenges for packages gas businesses in the region having spent 25 years working with Asiatic Industrial Gases and then another two years with Praxair following its takeover of Asiatic. Shyam then moved to Inox (Air Products) and spent eight years as Sales and then Marketing Manager for Package gases in mid-western India.

Shyam's knowledge of the Indian market adds value to any team, producer or user, working in the region. It is also easily transportable to any other Asian country.

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Senior Consultant - Peter Wrampe

BS MS MBA Member AIChE AIMetE VDI VDE

Location USA

After graduating from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering Peter Wrampe enjoyed a more than 40-year international career with Praxair culminating in more than 20 years in Executive positons in Business Development.

Peter is expert at recognising and capitalising on unique market opportunities and launching development teams to bring applications to new markets. He has done this in widely diverse areas such as alternative energy, clean and sustainable technology, cement, food, glass, metals, water treatment and space. He brings to any project a range of skills that are key both to developing and implementing business strategy.

He has spent significant periods of his career in Asia, North and South America and Europe. Peter is fluent in German and Portuguese and has good conversational French, Italian and Spanish. He holds an MBA from Pace University, NY.

Peter has also played a full role in professional activities both at home and abroad.

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Senior Associate Consultant - Kevin Dinnage

MA (Chem Eng) FIChemE CEng

Location UK

Since graduating from Cambridge University with a masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Kevin has spent 28 years in the Industrial Gas and Petrochemical Industries, initially with Air Products and then with BP. Following a number of project, licensing and engineering assignments, Kevin went on to take leadership roles in projects which involved the commercialisation of new solvents and gas-to-product technologies.

He was responsible for project development and then management of the licensing of proprietary processes and has worked in Japan, Korea, China and several European locations. Kevin has also been responsible for devising and executing a number of strategic studies, including analyses of the deployment of technology and engineering capability across large organisations.

He has spent time in HR and created and led a number of endurng networks and development programs which have measurably improved process and engineering effectiveness. He has a strong interest and track record in helping individuals collaborate effectively to produce sustainable results.

Kevin provides in depth knowledge of modern petrochemical developments based on a working knowledge of indutrial gases.

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Senior Consultant - Patricio Jarrin BS

Location Ecuador

After graduating from the Escuela Politecnica in Quito, Ecuador in Chemical Engineering in 1983, Patricio joined AGA Ecuador for the start of a 27-year career with Aga and subsequently Linde. He started in Sales and marketing and held increasingly important roles in Ecuador until 1995 when he was made Sales and Marketing Director for Aga Venezuela. He was then promoted to regional VP position in Healthcare and in 2002 he became the Global Head of Linde's Homecare division.

In 2005, he returned to South America as head of the north South America Region which he held until his retirement in 2008.

Patricio is an experienced senior executive with outstanding skills in developing or turning round businesses by building and leading growth orientated organisations. Patricio has an impeccable revenue and profit record based on his strongly focused leadership style.

He is a native Spanish speaker, fluent in English and also has basic French and Portuguese.

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Senior Consultant Silvia Marcolla

BBA

Location Brazil

Silvia enjoyed a 24 year career in Commercial activities in industrial and Medical gases with AGA Brazil and subsequently with Linde Brazil. During this time she obtained global, regional and local experience in CRM, Marketing and Customer Service.

She moved through diverse appointments with AGA to become Head of Global Operations and Processes in Linde Heathcare. During her career she has had senior assignments in Europe, North America, South America and Asia and had hands-on responsibility for the implementation of CRM and ERP projects.

She has an excellent understanding of the change management process and has outstanding skills in building, developing and managing multifunctional, multicultural, virtual, global and international teams. Silvia has an excellent track-record of achievement in sales and the selling process.

She is fluent in Portuguese and English.

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Senior Consultant Ravinder Singh

Location India

Profile Snapshot: Senior Business Management Professional & visionary; 42+ years of work experience and documented record of strong and decisive leadership in General Management, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Sales & Marketing, Production Operations and Financial Management in the manufacturing sector.

Talent for proactively managing business cycle process with repeated success in multiple markets, expanding international footprints, building shareholder value, driving vision and achieving critical strategic goals.

Collaborative leader and strong team player. Led key initiatives to meet critical issues needing management control and accomplish company’s profitability targets.

Seeking to leverage expertise and experience in a assignment based consultancy in the Manufacturing Sector.

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Purchasing Specialist Cheryl Duffy

Location UK

Cheryl is a procurement professional renowned for saving organisations $ m’s from its bottom line.

With twenty years purchasing experience she has deep and solid roots in the procurement fields within many multinational Manufacturing and Services Industries. Such as Automotive, High Volume White Goods, Print and Retail.

Cheryl has worked at Senior Management and at Group levels. Her experience focuses on Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Her “holistic” approach to Cost Take Out (C.T.O.), Waste Reduction and Continuous Improvements identifies areas that can and do save Companies $m’s. Cheryl has an innovative approach to maximise savings without reducing quality and service levels.

Her focus is adding value to organisations EBIT with the emphasis on helping orgainsations gain and maintain a competitive advantage through cost effective Supply Chain Management.

Cheryl has her own company within purchasing consultancy offering her services to business to maximise there supply chain and procurement processes, http://admiralhousepurchasing.co.uk but will play a significant role in Esprit projects

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Senior Consultant Wayne Holt

M.Sc (Eng.) Met. (Welding Engineering) (Wits.), MBA (Wits.)

Location UK

I have more than 20 years experience within the engineering sector. Of this time I have spent more than 15 years specifically in industries related to welding and cutting of all metals. Having specialized in the field of welding engineering I have built up extensive knowledge on the economics of welding and how to reduce costs associated with welding and cutting as well as improve the quality of the final product.

It is my goal to share this knowledge and experience with others.

I am particularly concerned about the state of the planet and my child's future and of course children in general. My life purpose is to continue developing award winning products and systems to assist both local and international companies to further improve their businesses when it comes to increasing efficiencies whilst at the same time reduce the harmful effects that these businesses may have on the environment. I have a particular detest of the practices of corruption and nepotism which in the end result in the destruction of democratic institutions as well entrenches poverty.

My company has won the following awards

• Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association Award (2002)
• Technology Top 100 Qualifier (2007-2011)
• ESKOM ETA Award Industrial Innovation (2010)

Specialties

Management, marketing, design, welding engineering, Cost management, compressed air, industrial gas, leak detection, predictive maintenance, automotive, industrial, healthcare, food and beverage

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