Speakers | World Methanol Conference

Kjeld Aabo Senior Advisor, Maritime Transport Methanol Institute

Kjeld Aabo holds a degree in mechanical engineering and a special diploma in marketing.

Today Kjeld is independent Advisor and have since Aug. 2023 been working for Methanol Institute for technical marine application of Methanol and is connected to MIs office in Brussels.

He joined MAN-ES in 1983 and retired in 2023. Kjeld has been manager and senior manager of different technical departments as the Engineering Services Department and the Research Centre Department.

From 2011 to 2014, Kjeld Aabo took over a position in Brazil as head of MAN Marine and Offshore division and returned as Director for development in technical promotion department.

Primary technical topics Kjeld has worked with in his 40 years of work that MAN-ES is new fuels, lube oil, exhaust gas emissions. Kjeld was Chairman of the CIMAC Heavy Fuel Working Group (WG), and member of the ISO 8217 Heavy Fuel Oil Working Group for 3 decades.

Benedikt Ackerschott Sales Manager MAN Energy Solutions

Benedikt Raphael Ackerschott is Sales Manager for static equipment at MAN Energy Solutions and responsible for MAN DWE^® reactors for chemical applications in the European market. Benedikt Ackerschott holds a degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in mechanical engineering from the RWTH Aachen University with a focus on energy engineering. After first positions in R&D as well as in Product Management in the field of power plant engineering, he joined MAN ES Deggendorf in 2017. Based on his experience and expertise, he is part of the ongoing development of MAN DWE^® Reactors and new build projects with a strong focus on power-to-liquids.

Andrei Akzhigitov EMEA Methanol Director Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Andrei Akzhigitov is the Director of the Mathanol at Chemical Market Analytics.

Andrei Akzhigitov is the EMEA Methanol consultant for Syngas Chemicals at Chemical Market Analytics. His responsibilities include the weekly World Methanol Report and monthly World Methanol Analysis,  focusing on the EMEA region.

Before joining Chemical Market Analytics in February 2024, Andrei Akzhigitov worked for over 20 years with well-known companies in the chemical sector, such as Evonik, Brenntag, Metafrax, and Sibur. He has a rich history of working on diverse methanol projects, optimizing supply chains, handling trade, spearheading derivative production, and engaging in R&D. His career has led him to work in cities like Moscow, Hanau, and Amman. Mr. Akzhigitov has a Master’s in Chemistry from Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia and has also completed a marketing program at Mannheim Business School in Germany.

Lars Axelsen General Manager Licensing & Projects Dynea

Lars R Axelsen began his career as a Process Engineer before moving to a role as a Sales Engineer for Selzer Chemtech in Switzerland. Following this he held a position as Manager for the Technology Centre Europe Dyno ASA leading process development and cap-ex projects. Since then, he has moved to Dynea, first serving as the Group Vice President for process technology and then moving to his current role as the General Manager for Licensing & Projects.

Lars Holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from Norwegian University of Science and Technology and is fluent in Norwegian, English, German and Dutch.

Troels Krag Boysen Senior Manager for Sales and Business Development Green Hydrogen Systems

Troels Boysen is Senior Manager for Sales and Business Development in Green Hydrogen Systems, a leading provider of standardised and modular electrolysis equipment for the production of green hydrogen solely based on renewable energy. He is responsible for the X-series product line which is a highly efficient and versatile product ideal for multi-MW or GW scale applications. In his role, Troels works closely together with clients across Europe, MENA, Americas and APAC regions to optimize electrolyser applications on a project portfolio of +5 GW. Troels holds an MSc in economics and prior to joining Green Hydrogen Systems, Troels worked +10 years at the Danish green energy major Ørsted. He holds extensive experience within green power, hydrogen economics and PtX.

Brian Davis Chief Executive Officer C2X

Brian Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of C2X.  C2X aims to make a significant contribution to a fossil-free future by accelerating the availability of green methanol to de-fossilise the chemicals, aviation, and shipping sectors.  C2X will develop, own, and operate large scale green methanol production facilities in strategic locations around the world.

Brian has 36 years of global experience spanning the entire energy value chain, encompassing oil and gas, chemicals and electricity sectors and a track record of driving growth within complex business environments. Prior to joining C2X, Mr Davis worked at Shell for 32 years, including roles as SVP of Global Energy Solutions, Head of Group Strategy and SVP of Shell Chemicals.  After leaving Shell he served as EVP and Chief Commercial Officer for Marathon Petroleum Corporation based in San Antonio, Texas.

Brian has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia.  He has lived and worked in in Australia, the UK, the USA, Turkey, The Netherlands and Barbados.

Ralf Diemer Chief Executive Officer eFuel Alliance e.V

Ralf Diemer is the CEO of the eFuel Alliance e.V. based in Berlin and Brussels. During his law degree in Tuebingen, he worked in the Baden-Wuerttemberg state parliament and in the European Parliament. He then started his professional career in Berlin as an office manager in the German parliament. After moving to the German Association of the Automotive Industry, he headed the Brussels branch there for ten years and then the department for Economic, Trade and Climate Protection Policy in Berlin. He was involved in numerous legislative processes on a national and European level, with a focus on climate, environmental and trade policy. Political interest and involvement in politics have always been of central importance to him. Ralf Diemer is Director at the consulting company von Beust & Coll. Beratungsgesellschaft.

Stephan Eckle Head of Product and Portfolio Management - Syngas & Fuels Clariant

Stephan Eckle is the Head of Product and Portfolio Management – Syngas & Fuels at Clariant, with over a decade of experience in catalytic innovations and sustainable energy solutions. Specializing in Methanol, Syngas, Hydrogen and fuel related technologies, Stephan leads global development efforts advancing catalytic technologies and driving the energy transition. His team has been key in developing catalytic materials for more sustainable methanol production, with a strong emphasis on decarbonization and clean energy. At the Methanol Conference, Stephan will share insights into cutting-edge advancements in methanol catalysis and its pivotal role to enhance plant efficiency and increased production.

Simon Hettig Technology Manager - Alternative Fuels Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Simon is Technology Manager – Alternative Fuels at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. With a keen interest in sustainable energy solutions, Simon has become an expert in various
aspects of the alternative fuels industry.

In his current role, Simon oversees the entire value chain for fuel production, with a specific
focus on cutting-edge technologies within the PtX (Power-to-X) ecosystem such as
electrolysis or carbon capture. He plays a pivotal role in shaping Rolls-Royce Power
Systems’ strategy and driving innovation in the field of alternative fuels.

Simon has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – International Business from
Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) and a Master of Science in
Energy Management from University of Koblenz – Landau.

Satoru Hirose Program Leader, Next-G Technology and Application Div. Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO)

Satoru Hirose leads the green methanol and fuel ammonia programs at Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO), drawing upon over 20 years of expertise as a process engineer in the synthesis gas industry. Since the establishment of the Next-generation Technologies & Applications Division, T-Next, in 2020, he has been instrumental in shaping its direction and success.

In the realm of fuel ammonia, his efforts have centered on green ammonia production from renewable energy sources. He has studied system optimization, including water electrolysis facility, to manage fluctuations in renewable energy. Last fiscal year, he applied this expertise to TOYO’s licensed green methanol process, g-Methanol^® and spearheaded the development of TOYO’s proprietary tool MethaMaster^TM, optimizes the green methanol system using a dynamic simulation algorithm that incorporates renewable energy fluctuations.

Ida Rask Kongsgaard Commercial Lead Again

Ida Rask Kongsgaard has extensive experience within scaling innovative sustainable energy and low carbon industrial technologies. With a background spanning from Ørsted’s power-to-X team and McKinsey’s sustainability practice, she brings market expertise decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial value chains within low carbon hydrogen and CCUS technologies. Currently serving as the commercial lead at Again, Ida is dedicated to developing the market for bio-based cleantech technologies and has been leading the commercialization journey of Again’s technology. Ida holds a degree in International Business from Copenhagen Business School and in Environmental Science and Climate Change from London School of Economics.

Per Koustrup Co-founder and Biofuel Trader Nordic Green

Per Koustrup is Co-founder and Biofuel Trader at Nordic Green. He holds a Cand. Merc in International Business and has close to 20 years of experience with hydrogen, fuel cells, methanol, ethanol, RME, HVO and fossil energy – especially gasoline and diesel. He has extensive experience from Circle K where he was responsible for pricing of the gasoline-pool in the Danish market before being promoted to being responsible for pricing of the diesel-pool. He represented the company in the branch-organization for biofuels for transport and gas for transport as well as national television. He has a keen interest in alcohols based on waste- & residue combined with hydrogen from electrolysis, the so-called hybrid bio- & electro-alcohols. He wishes to be seen as a trusted partner is Advanced biofuels bringing benefit for producers as well as buyers/customers. Per is located in London with his wife and child. 

Fabian Lindner Senior Project Manager Valenz

Fabian is a Senior Project Manager at Valenz, responsible for driving the development of key methanol market segments and innovations such as tokenization, which will enable customers to track their supply chain and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of the product they buy. He has over 12 years of industry experience across the Chemicals sector and his functional expertise spans trading, digitalization, product management, business development and procurement. He holds a master’s degree in digital marketing leadership from the University of Aberdeen, and a bachelor’s degree in business and management from the University of South Wales.

Xiaomeng Ma Director, Asia Methanol Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Xiaomeng Ma is the Director of Asia Methanol at Chemical Market Analytics

Xiaomeng is an experienced researcher with a strong track-record working experience in the industrial sectors spanning from petrochemical markets, and specialty chemical industries to energy and fuel industries. Xiaomeng Ma’s current focuses are on methanol-related industries.

She is skilled in project assessment, building and implementing business strategies, and creating economic models. She has a strong professional background with a Masters in Engineering and a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges in the Asia chemical industry.

Mike Nash Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead | Americas Acetyls Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Mr. Mike Nash is the Vice President for Syngas Chemicals (including the methanol and acetyls practices) at Chemical Market Analytics.

He works with a global team of regional consultants and overlays their analyses with a global perspective. His responsibilities include the weekly World Methanol Report and monthly World Methanol Analysis, including the weekly and monthly Global Acetyls Market Reports and the related World Analyses for Methanol, Acetyls, and Formaldehyde.

Before joining the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) in September 2012, Mr. Nash worked for BP’s petrochemicals division for 19 years preceding a two-year stint in Total’s UK fuels business. He performed various commercial roles within BP, in international business management, marketing, project management, and logistics, based in London, Duesseldorf, and Kuala Lumpur. His last role in the Total UK was the Logistics Director for Specialties.

Mr. Nash holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Edinburgh University, UK, and a Master of Business Administration from Kingston University, UK.

Javier Ortiz Director, North & South America Methanol Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Javier Ortiz is the Director of the North and South American methanol market at Chemical Market Analytics.

Javier Ortiz is the North and South American methanol market director at Chemical Market Analytics. As of 2019, Mr. Ortiz leads methanol market coverage in the Americas. He began his consulting career at CMAI (Chemical Market Associates, Inc.), in 2007 as a research analyst for the North and South American synthetic fibers market, primarily focusing on the polyester and nylon supply chains. He was subsequently appointed global leader of CMAI’s senior research analyst group while taking over consulting coverage of the nylon raw materials markets in the Americas.

Before joining the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) Methanol team, Mr. Ortiz formed part of its Plastics group for nearly a decade, where he led coverage of the polyolefins market in Latin American, directed the QuiMax Latin American consulting service, and was also responsible for polystyrene market research in the Americas.

He holds a degree in industrial engineering and a minor in business administration from Texas A&M University, US.

Juha Peltomäki Head of Industry – Bio & Circular Economy Business Finland – Invest in Finland

Juha Peltomäki works as Head of Industry in Invest in Finland – Business Finland. He is responsible for Bio and Circular -industries.

Based on various positions in Business Finland Juha has extensive experience on technology enabling green transition and sustainable future. He has earlier been responsible for R&D financing of start-ups in Cleantech&Bio&Circular technologies. Prior to Business Finland Juha made a career in management positions in international production machinery businesses.

Juha holds a M.Sc. degree in engineering from Helsinki University of Technology.

“Saving the world for future generations is my inspiration. In many cases saving the world can also be good business”.

Invest in Finland helps foreign companies in finding location for production facilities, in connecting them with feed stock suppliers and possible customers and in opening discussion with authorities and other important partners and stakeholders.

Chindara Pertivi Jinti Principal Engineer PETRONAS Chemicals Group

Chindara started his career in 1994 operating the 2000MT Methanol and has 30 years of experience as a Process Engineer.

He was a key person during the design, construction and commissioning of the 5000MT Mega Methanol plant in Labuan, Malaysia. He was also responsible for assisting the operations of PCG’s Methanol/Ammonia plants in the Borneo/West Malaysia region as well as PETRONAS new Methanol plant venture projects in other countries.  

Chindara earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (Hons) from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom and is a member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). He enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning new things and spends his free time gardening, fishing, and playing guitar.

Jussi Rämä Technical Sales Manager P2X Solutions Oy

Jussi Rämä works as a Technical Sales Manager at P2X Solutions Oy. Jussi has recently joined the company and comes from biomethane project developer company, where he worked as Head of Technical Sales Support with the responsibility of techno-commercial topics throughout the biomethane project development cycle.

Before that Jussi was working for Metso mining business in various sales and sales support positions in the field of services, equipment and plant deliveries.

Jussi holds M.Sc. degree in technology from Helsinki University of Technology.

Lotte Holmberg Rasmussen Research and Development Manager Centrica Energy

Kai Reichelt Business Development Manager RINA Germany

Kai Reichelt started his career in 1997 after military service as an electronics technician and changed to sea-shipping in mid-2000. Education and Marine Engineer in Management Level up to 2008 was followed by employment as Superintendent for Bulk-carriers and Container-Vessels. The role of Superintendent involved the take-over of new buildings as well as the establishment and leading of an office site in Cyprus.  After this, Kai discovered a new field of challenges in the position of technical and engineering leader in a Cocoa Factory for more than 5 years, but the sea was always calling, therefore he changed to RINA at May 2022.

Carl Roache Director, Ammonia and Urea Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Carl Roache is the Executive Director of Ammonia and Urea at Chemical Market Analytics.

Carl Roache is the market director of ammonia and urea at Chemical Market Analytics (CMA). He joined the company in 2024 and leads analysis and pricing globally from London, UK.

Before joining CMA, Mr. Roache was EuroChem’s global business development manager for NPK fertilizers, based in Dubai, UAE. From here, he coordinated global NP/NPK sales from the company’s 1.2mn t/yr Antwerp plant. Before this, he was EuroChem’s Asia NPK business development lead, based in Singapore, where he developed and executed an NPK growth strategy, widening commercial territory and facilitating increased sales.

Mr Roache has also worked for price reporting agencies within the fertilizer sector in the UK and Asia, including spells as global nitrogen and potash lead (ICIS) and Europe and Asia regional editorships (Argus Media). He has completed executive strategy, financial analysis, and management training, as well as a first-class honors degree in American and English History from the University of East Anglia, UK.

Mr Roache is an NCTJ/NCE qualified newspaper journalist, starting his career with Northcliffe Media group in the UK.

Keigo Sasaki Technical Expert Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO)

Keigo Sasaki, at Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO), has a diverse background in process design and control system engineering across Oil & Gas, Urea, and Ethylene fields. As a cloud-based system expert, he is at the forefront of developing cloud solution services for plant owners. This includes DX-PLANT®, a cloud service offered by TOYO. His unique approach has led to the launch of several proprietary applications aimed at enhancing the efficiency of process plant operations. These include ADVIDA® and RL-Tracker®, which are testament to his commitment to plant operational efficiency.

Currently, he is contributing to the development of TOYO’s digital solution for efficient green methanol production with g-Methanol🄬 process under renewable energy fluctuations.

Christian Schweitzer Managing Director BSE Group

Christian Schweitzer, born July 1964 in Aachen, Germany successfully completed his engineering degree at the Fachhochschule Aachen. In addition he obtained a Bachelor in Business Administration at the SGMI St.Gallen. Since 1995, he is acting managing director of the bse brand in the industrial plant construction.

Throughout various ethanol related projects, thermo-chemical and anaerobic gasification were successfully implemented, ultimately building Europe´s largest bioethanol plant at the time of its establishment. In 2008 early experiences in factory planning of bio-methanol production were gained as part of the active business area. Seeking the potential of e-fuels^® by conversion of Carbon Dioxide in 2014 process development and catalyst research in the field of electrical-based methanol production started, which was to lead to BSE’s FlexMethanol^® Process.

Christian Schweitzer is founder and managing director of the bse group and it’s bse Methanol which supplies proprietary process, catalysts and pre-fabricated technical process skids to its clients of the Power-to-Methanol Industry.

Riya Sethi Process Manager Methanol Air Liquide Engineering & Construction

Riya Sethi is Process Manager Methanol in the Syngas & Methanol Product Line at Air Liquide Engineering & Construction, located in Frankfurt am Main in Germany. Her experience covers solution development and early client support for Methanol. Before joining Air Liquide in 2021, she had an eight year career with Topsoe working with different syngas technologies like Methanol, HyCO and Ammonia. She holds B.E. in Chemical Engineering and M.B.A. in Marketing & Operations from Panjab University, India.

Oleksandr Siromakha Head of Sustainable Fuels Mabanaft GmbH & Co. KG

Oleksandr Siromakha is the Head of Sustainable Fuels at Mabanaft, a leading independent fuel supplier. With over 17 years of expertise in energy trading and logistics, project development, and strategic planning, he is driving Mabanaft’s shift towards CO2-neutral solutions, including e-fuels, advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives.

Before joining Mabanaft, Oleksandr was an Integrated Business Development Manager at the Marquard & Bahls Group, where he focused on strategic corporate growth. He also led the marketing and market analysis department at Oiltanking.

Oleksandr holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Konstanz, where he specialized in climate-related studies, enhancing his understanding of sustainable energy management.

Matthew Thoelke Vice President, EMEA Olefins Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Matthew Thoelke is the Vice President for Olefins and Derivatives in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Chemical Market Analytics.

Matthew Thoelke is the vice president of the olefins and derivatives team in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Chemical Market Analytics. During his time with the company, he has taken a wide variety of roles across a broad range of product areas. With over 25 years of experience, Matthew is a key resource within the business for understanding and insight into the olefins sector of the petrochemical industry.

Within the EMEA region, he works closely with the petrochemical, oil and financial industries, bringing support and guidance throughout the petrochemical chain. His current area of focus includes oversight of the ‘Europe and the Middle East Olefins Report’ and primary input and insight for the ‘World Ethylene and Propylene Analyses.’

His prior experience includes coverage of butadiene and elastomers, for which he remains a globally recognized industry speaker and expert. Whilst in this role, Mathew was responsible for the ‘Global Outlook — Feedstocks, Elastomers Report’ and the ‘World Butadiene Analysis’ and took the lead role in analyzing olefin and derivative markets in support of the long-term planning outlooks in the World Analysis.

Mr. Thoelke has both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Material Sciences from Cambridge University, as well as a Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (ACDMM).

Silvia Torrado Global Director for Methanol and Ammonia Evonik

Silvia holds a master’s degree in renewable energy from the Universitat de Barcelona, an MBA from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. She has over 14 years of industry experience across the Oil & Gas, Energy, and Chemical sectors. Her functional expertise spans field operations, engineering, sales, marketing, business management, and procurement.

Her career trajectory began in 2010 as an engineer at BP, followed by a role as an account manager at National Oilwell Varco. After completing her MBA in 2016, she transitioned to the insurance sector, working as offshore energy underwriter at HannoverRe. In 2018, Silvia joined Evonik, where she held the position of Global Business Development Manager for High Performance Polymers, specializing in the Oil and Gas market. She then joined the procurement department in 2022 as Global Director for methanol and ammonia.