Leadership and Board

Dinesh K Sarraf (DK) is highly experienced Oil Industry Veteran with over 35 years of Industry experience.

Dinesh Sarraf has held various positions in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) which is a Public Sector Undertaking under the ownership of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.

He was the Chairman & Managing Director of ONGC and Chairman of ONGC Group of Companies including ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) as its Managing Director and CEO.

He has held Key Board Positions, in ONGC Limited and ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) a Group Company of ONGC, for about 13 years and other Government of India Owned Refineries for about 9 years.

His last position was as Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board of Ministry of Oil and Petroleum, Government of India for about 3 years. Highlights of his tenure was setting up of India’s first Natural Gas Exchange in record time of less than six month and he also devised new norms for City Gas Distribution (CGD) authorization which led to an increase in Gas Penetration Population from 17% to 71% and geographical area coverage from 10% of India to 53%. Based on same norms at present India’s CGD extends to about 98% of population covering 88% of its Geographical area.

While with ONGC and OVL he has led successful acquisitions of oil and gas blocks in several countries including, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Vietnam, Venezuela, etc. In value terms, the total acquisition investments exceed 15 billion USD. Each acquisition included process of identification of opportunity, engagement of consultants, conducting due diligence, valuation, negotiation, finalisation of agreements, end-to-end approval process, financing, integration of acquired asset in corporate portfolio, etc. He led the process of successful engagement with stakeholders like partners, investors, host country, regulators, employees, etc. He led E&P projects in the above countries as CFO/ CEO/ Chairman.

He is a Post Graduate from University of Delhi and member of Institute of Cost Accountants of India and Institute of Company Secretaries of India along with a certified valuer of Securities and Financial Assets.

Sam has over thirty-five years of experience in financial leadership and strategic investments, his expertise spans from uncovering groundbreaking opportunities in the GCC countries to pioneering energy projects in Latin America and Asia. He has led implementation of cutting-edge technologies in oil extraction and renewable energy sources, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

He has also Initiated and managed a multi-million-dollar investment in next-generation biomass projects, aiming to revolutionize energy production with lower carbon footprints.

Sam has fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders in the energy sector, including governments, local communities, and industry leaders, to support sustainable energy development in emerging markets.

In his early days Sam had a unique opportunity to be a Royal Family Advisor to one of the Senior Royals in GCC. While travelling to over 100 countries he strategized new opportunities in technology, portfolio diversification, infrastructure, and geographical asset allocations for the family.

His vision is to enhance energy availability through innovative solutions, including exploring new oil fields, leveraging technology breakthroughs, and investing in next-generation biomass. His approach combines rigorous market analysis, sustainability principles, and a deep commitment to economic development and environmental stewardship.

Ali S. Abood brings a wealth of experience in international business, finance, and consultancy, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa. His extensive career includes senior directorships and advisory roles in numerous multinational corporations, spanning sectors such as mining, energy, commodity trading, and financial services.

Mr. Abood’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative marketing strategies have consistently secured substantial business deals for his clients. His expertise in arranging funding through international government credit agencies and syndicated loans has been instrumental in facilitating major business transactions. Notable roles in his distinguished career include key positions at Esso (Exxon) and the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia, as well as consultancy work for defense, engineering, and various technology firms.

“My extensive experience in international business and finance, particularly in the energy sector, has prepared me well for this exciting role. No other onshore oil blocks have this multi-billion-barrel potential. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to secure key business relationships and funding opportunities that will drive Latin Energy Partners to new heights.” Commented Mr. Abood.

With a Business Commerce degree and professional qualifications in Accountancy and Finance, Mr. Abood’s academic background complements his practical experience. Known for his diplomatic negotiation skills and high-level political and senior business contacts in the Middle East and Africa and around the world, he is well-positioned to contribute to the strategic growth and success of Latin Energy Partners.

Sanjai Chhaunker (SC) is an accomplished professional with over 25 years of rich experience in Project Management, Implementation and International Business Operations. His business experiences and dealings with governments in India and elsewhere along with multinational companies have provided him with rich global business experience.

He has led various projects and businesses in India, USA and other countries. The last being the India Representative of Galilee Energy, Australia a company pioneering in Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Projects in Australia. While heading the company’s India business secured strategic MOUs with major Oil Refinery Company owned by Government of India and a major private corporation for collaboration between the parties in India and Australia regarding their respective coal bed methane assets.

SC was Shareholder, Board member and Managing Director of a very large Infrastructure Project in Bangalore, India where the investing partners were from the Ruling Family of Abu Dhabi. The project covered over 1600 acres of land with an estimated outlay of US Dollars 4 Billion. Other work experiences include International Strategies & Business Consultancy involving technology transfers and collaborations, Financial Advisory Services, etc. Sanjai has started his career in India working as a Finance Manager of a US Dollars 500 Million Business Conglomerate based in Hyderabad, India. He has Earned an MBA Finance (Specialization in International Lending) from USA in the year 1991.