Building Restoration and Renovation

 Founder & CEO/President, Katana International LLC | Senior Hydrocarbon Trader, AMEC Energy | International Energy Executive.   

17+ years across international hydrocarbon trading, EPC project development, upstream/downstream operations, and strategic business development in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Founder of Katana International LLC (est. 2007). Dual U.S./Venezuelan citizen. Fluent in English and Spanish.

Built and led a specialized energy consulting firm with a track record exceeding $50 million annually in petrochemical EPC contracts with Pequiven over five consecutive years. Structured the first major EPC strategic alliance in Venezuela's refining sector — consolidating over €60 million in PDVSA projects under an innovative hydrocarbon compensation mechanism (equipment and services repaid through crude oil and refined products commercialized internationally).

Manages physical trading operations, supply optimization, logistics, storage, and P&L for refined petroleum products across Central America and the Caribbean. Products include crude oil, ULSD, HSFO, and refined products. Engages directly with major global energy companies on supply agreements, freight economics, and commercial negotiations.

Led upstream and downstream initiatives including well rehabilitation, refinery development, and EPC contract negotiations. Developed strategic partnerships with Halliburton, Vitol, and WISON Engineering. Total project value under leadership: > USD $330 million.

Field and technical assignments with BP, El Paso Energy, Kinder Morgan, Petrex, and Saipem ENI. Core competencies developed: pipeline integrity, GIS/PODS systems, well intervention, production optimization, corrosion control, and regulatory compliance.

B.S., Industrial & Systems Engineering — Florida International University (Senior. International Business)

• Advanced studies: Industrial Maintenance & Materials Engineering — Universidad Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, Venezuela

• Certifications: TWIC, OSHA, HASC, Project Management, Senior Project Manager, Senior Consultant

• Member, NACE International

• International crude oil & refined products trading

• EPC contract development and execution

• Hydrocarbon compensation structures and offtake agreements

• Upstream and downstream oil & gas operations

• Refinery rehabilitation and infrastructure projects

• Logistics, freight economics, storage, and P&L management

• Strategic alliances, joint ventures, and cross-border negotiations.., Industrial & Systems 

Vice President of Refining, PDVSA (2018–2020) | Chairman, CITGO Holding & PDV Holding | Vice President, Katana International LLC | Electrical Engineer

Over 30 years of executive leadership across oil and gas, refining, power infrastructure, and large-scale industrial programs. Former Vice President of Refining at PDVSA and Chairman of CITGO Holding, PDV Holding, and PDV America — with direct oversight of multi-billion-dollar energy assets across Venezuela and international markets.

Directed strategic oversight and operations of Venezuela's entire downstream sector, including:

• Paraguaná Refining Complex (Amuay & Cardón) — among the largest in the Western Hemisphere

• Puerto La Cruz Refinery, El Palito Refinery, Isla Refinery (Curaçao)

• Refinery recovery, major maintenance, fuel production, reliability, and multidisciplinary contractor coordination

Executive governance over Venezuela's most valuable international downstream assets — three

U.S. refineries, pipeline systems, storage terminals, and fuel distribution networks.

• Total asset value: > USD $8 billion

• Responsibilities: corporate governance, strategic planning, operational continuity, international asset management, and financial relationship management

Directed electrical infrastructure integrity and reliability across PDVSA's refineries, upgraders, terminals, and industrial facilities. Led electrical recovery programs and integration with the national power grid.

One of Venezuela's largest national infrastructure programs. Roles held: General Project Manager, Director of Construction, Senior Advisor to the Minister and President. Supervised multidisciplinary engineering teams across urban rehabilitation, housing, civil infrastructure, and utility network development nationwide.

Strategic advisory and electrical engineering roles with ELECENTRO, ELEOCCIDENTE, FONCREI, and INCE — covering infrastructure planning, technical consulting, and program development.

Founder and President of J&G Ingeniería & Servicios, IACEGA Suministros, Transportaciones Euroven, and Masín & Asociados Grupo Consultor — spanning electrical engineering, logistics, industrial consulting, and commercial operations.

Executive advisory across oil & gas project development, refinery rehabilitation, EPC structuring, and international energy negotiations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.