Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion: Mergers & Acquisition Uncovered: Market Trends, Deal Execution, and Career Paths in Oil & Gas A&D and Private Equity

Tuesday, 26 August | 10:20 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | George R. Brown Convention Center, 360A

Part 1: Beyond the Rocks: How Technical Experts Became Leaders in Business and M&A
This panel highlights technical experts (Geoscientists & Engineers) who transitioned from purely technical roles to leading business strategy, M&A, and company growth. Hear how they broke into the deal world, lessons learned from the boardroom, and how technical expertise can drive commercial success. Ideal for anyone curious about expanding their impact beyond technical subsurface world.

  • Moderator: Sean Kimiagar
  • Panelists: Don Burdick, Cristina Stellar, Peter Dillett

Part 2: Raising Capital: What It Takes to Fund an Oil & Gas Startup
What does it take to raise money and build a company in today’s market? This talk features energy entrepreneurs sharing firsthand insights on capital raising, navigating A&D, and startup strategy. From deal structure to investor pitch, learn what founders need to success, and what they wish they’d known starting out.

  • Speakers: Matt Dangel & Richard Ball

Objectives
  • Provide a market update on upstream M&A trends, highlighting deal activity, capital discipline, and valuation shifts.
  • Explore career trajectories for geoscientists and engineers in M&A, Private Equity, and oil and gas entrepreneurship, with insights from industry veterans.
  • Illuminate the deal lifecycle through both buyside and sellside perspectives, including sourcing, structuring, and execution strategies.

Topics
  • Market Update – Recent trends in upstream M&A and capital markets.
  • Career Pathways – Transitioning from technical roles to executive leadership in Private Equity-backed ventures and investment banking.
  • Operator to Entrepreneur – Firsthand accounts of founding and scaling oil and gas businesses.
  • Dealmaking – Strategic differences and practical lessons from the buyside vs. sellside.
  • Technical to Commercial – How geoscientists and engineers add value across the A&D lifecycle.

Outcomes
  • Clear understanding of current market dynamics in upstream M&A.
  • Inspiring examples of how technical professionals can pivot into leadership, investment, and ownership roles.
  • Deeper insight into the roles of bankers, operators, and private equity sponsors in driving deals forward.
  • Practical knowledge of what it takes to raise capital, execute deals, and build value in today’s energy landscape.

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Fee:

Included with registration

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