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Richard Degner - President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Degner stepped down in June 2003 from his position of President at PGS Onshore, Inc. where he built and ran PGS’s worldwide land and TZ operations. Mr. Degner resigned from PGS to pursue a management buyout of the firm. In August 2003, PGS’s parent, Norwegian-based Petroleum Geo-Services, refused to proceed with the divestiture.
           
Mr. Degner has a strong following in the seismic business and spent 3 ½ years building PGS Onshore around several hundred of the best people in the seismic business, many of whom followed him to PGS from Western Geophysical. Under Mr. Degner’s leadership, PGS Onshore developed an excellent reputation as an innovative and high quality provider of land and TZ geophysical services. PGS Onshore’s revenues grew from 15 million in 1999 to over $150 million in 2003.

Prior to joining PGS, Mr. Degner was the worldwide Land Product Line Leader for Western Geophysical’s industry leading, $600 million per year onshore and TZ seismic operation. He also served as Vice President of Western Hemisphere Operations. As the leader of the largest onshore seismic operation worldwide, Mr. Degner established a vast experience base and good reputation from oil and gas clientele throughout the world. Mr. Degner joined Western Geophysical in 1984 after earning degrees in both Geophysical and Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.

Since managing Western Geophysical’s first land 3D seismic projects in Latin America in 1985, Mr. Degner has designed and executed hundreds of land and transition zone 3D projects worldwide. He is active in the Society of Exploration Geophysicist, International Association of Geophysical Contractors, and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Mr. Degner has served at Stanford University as board member on its “Earth Science Advisory Board”, and at the Colorado School of Mines on its “Geophysical Advisory Board”. He is an active member of Gerson Lerhman’s council of Energy Advisors. Mr. Degner graduated from Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business with a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Craig Lindberg -President of AutoSeis, Inc. and Senior Vice President of GGS                                Mergers and Acquisitions

Mr. Lindberg is a co-founder of Global Geophysical. Prior to joining Global, he spent his entire career in the food industry, working for both small private and large public corporations, most recently with Tyson Foods. He brings a valuable outside perspective to the company dialogue and in the design of financial, analytical, and marketing tools. Mr. Lindberg’s expertise in consumer products combined with the seismic industry expertise of the Global senior management team effectively brings a value-added focus to the business.

Mr. Lindberg is a Summa Cum Laude Graduate of the University of Houston and received an MBA from the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Management, where he received the Jones Scholar Award for Academic Excellence and finished first in his class.

Tom Fleure - Senior Vice President of Geophysical Technology

In his 21 years of service with Western Geophysical, and its successor WesternGeco, Mr. Fleure held several senior management positions in both technology and operations. Mr. Fleure’s senior technology positions included Area Geophysicist for Eastern Hemisphere Land, Manager for Applied Technology Land and Special Projects, Project Manager for Survey Evaluation and Design and Manager of Acquisition Geophysics. Mr. Fleure’s operations postings have included Managing Director of Western Atlas International Nigeria Ltd. from 1994-1996, Resident Manager of Saudi Arabia for Western Geophysical from 1992-1994 and Operations Manager for Western Hemisphere Marine.

Mr. Fleure has a broad understanding of exploration geophysics stretching from field parameter design through signal processing. Mr. Fleure’s specific areas of research and in-depth study have included development of advanced vibroseis techniques and custom designs of explosives for application as seismic sources.

Mr. Fleure is the inventor or co-inventor on two patents in these research areas. Mr. Fleure graduated with scholastic honors and earned a Bachelor of Science in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in December 1982.

Tony Clark - Vice President of Risk Ventures for North America

A twenty five-year industry veteran, Mr. Clark started in the seismic business in the early 1980’s working for Geophysical Field Surveys (GFS), now a part of CGGVeritas. He continued his career marketing seismic programs and selling 2D and 3D spec surveys for industry-leading Seismic Exchange, Inc. (SEI), now a prominent data library leader.

Mr. Clark then began his entrepreneurial quest as a founder and principal of Seismic Assistants, Inc. (SAI); his networking skills and marketing prowess quickly helped to establish the company as a leading provider of 3D spec programs in the state of Texas. He has since sold his position in SAI and is currently an owner/partner in a number of very successful business ventures across the US.

Mr. Clark graduated from Mississippi State University with a BBA in Marketing. He has served on the Board of the College of Business and Industry at MSU since 2003 and was recently selected as one of MSU’s National Alumni Association's Distinguished Service recipients.

Jerry Dresner - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Dresner started his career in 1980 working in the fixed asset department of Dresser Industries’ corporate division based in Houston, Texas. In 1987 Dresser sold its Wireline interest to Litton Industries, which later spun off and became Western Atlas International Inc. (Western Atlas), where Mr. Dresner worked as accounting manager gaining experience in several different operating divisions within the company. In 1993 he moved to London England and served as the Area Controller for Western Geophysical. In 1998 Western Atlas was sold to Baker Hughes, and he stayed on as Assistant Controller. In late 2000, Baker Hughes and Schlumberger formed WesternGeco; at that time, Mr. Dresner was promoted to Controller with responsibility for North America, Canada & Mexico.

Mr. Dresner received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University with a major in Finance. He has over twenty seven years of financial management experience in an international operating environment, including Sarbanes Oxley, internal and external audit, and US and International Tax.

Maurice Flynn - Vice President of Land Operations, Europe, Africa & the Middle East

Mr. Flynn began his 30-year career in the seismic industry at Western Geophysical, where he quickly demonstrated his proficiency in seismic operations and leadership skills. He advanced through the ranks as Project Manager, Operations Manager and Country Manager, broadening his expertise while working in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, China, United Arab Emirates, Chad, Tunisia, Somalia, Oman, Kazakhstan and Argentina. Liaising with local government agencies to ensure a smooth launch of seismic operations into extremely sensitive environments, Mr. Flynn’s skills for collaboration and negotiation enabled him to direct Western’s entry into new territories such as Da Qing, China and the Caspian Sea region of Kazakhstan,

Mr. Flynn repeatedly demonstrated his skills for collaboration and negotiation as he directed Western’s entry into new territories such as Da Qing, China and the Caspian Sea region of Kazakhstan, liaising with local government agencies to ensure a smooth launch of seismic operations into extremely sensitive environments.

Most recently, Mr. Flynn served as Vice President of EAME and Vice President of Worldwide Operations Support for PGS Onshore, Inc. He directed PGS Onshore’s expansion into the Eastern Hemisphere seismic market, establishing company operations in Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and India, and growing annual revenues for the region from $10M to $50M over a period of three years.

Kirk Girouard - Vice President of Land Operations, Latin America

With over 20 years in the industry, Mr. Girouard’s knowledge and reputation make him a strong and dependable leader, bringing professionalism and experience unparalleled in the industry.  During his tenure at WesternGeco, Mr. Girouard acted as the Operations Manager for both United States Gulf Coast Operations and United States Land Seismic Operations.  Mr. Girouard managed and consolidated separate operating divisions and increased productivity through a focused management team effort.  At Western Geophysical, Mr. Girouard managed Latin American Seismic Operations and was responsible for approximately 165 employees and annual sales of $50 MM throughout Mexico, Central and South America.  Mr. Girouard also acted as General Manager of Business in the Southern Cone areas including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.  Mr. Girouard’s work in South America has given him invaluable international experience as well as a bilingual background.  He has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, as well as several professional development certifications.  He is also a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Jeff Howell - Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality

For 23 years, Mr. Howell managed QHSE initiatives for industry leading Western Geophysical and WesternGeco. He held many in-field and area management positions, ultimately leading to Director of Worldwide QHSE. Mr. Howell had QHSE management authority over the world’s largest land, marine and transition zone seismic organization and was instrumental in designing and implementing Western’s safety and quality programs during the formative years of industrial safety programs. He also worked extensively for Schlumberger Oilfield Services as a United States Land QHSE manager, and as the North and South American (NSA) QHSE training coordinator.

Mr. Howell’s broad understanding of QHSE management systems and his exceptional relationships with people will ensure that the Company has an expedient and comprehensive rollout of their new QHSE management system. He has lived, worked and traveled in many countries throughout West Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Far East, Former Soviet Union and Latin America. Mr. Howell has a close relationship with the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) and has served on the IAGC Health, Safety, and Environmental Steering Committee and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) Health and Safety Committee.

Duncan Riley - Vice President - US and Canada

Duncan RileyMr. Riley has more than 20 years of experience in the seismic and oil field services industry. He began his career with Western Geophysical as a seismic Party Chief in Venezuela. Additional international positions include assignments in Argentina, Gabon, Mexico, Nigeria and Trinidad. He held a number of senior management roles within Western Geophysical, including General Manager for Applied Technology, General Manager of Western Hemisphere Marine Operations, and General Manager of Marketing Research & Strategic Planning. While with Schlumberger, he served as assistant Marketing Manager for the Drilling & Measurements segment.

A key member of Western Geophysical’s senior management team, Mr. Riley directed the regulatory approval process that lead to the creation of WesternGeco, the seismic services joint venture between Schlumberger and Baker Hughes. Upon creation of the JV, he was named Area Manager of WesternGeco’s North & South America business unit.

Mr. Riley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines with minors in Geology and Computer Science, and an MBA from Rice University.

Craig Murrin - Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Mr. Murrin has over 20 years of experience negotiating a variety of upstream energy-related transactions around the world, including joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and financings for energy and energy–service companies. He received his law degree from Stanford, where he was on the Law Review. He is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and serves on the council of the International section of the Houston Bar Association.

Andrew Kitts - Vice President of International Business Development

Mr. Kitts began his seismic career in 1978 working for Geosource with postings in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Sudan before joining Seismograph Service Corporation where he managed field operations in Chile. He then joined Western Geophysical where he completed a 13 year tenure holding numerous senior management positions, demonstrating his proficiencies in project development, contract negotiation, marketing and sales, and government relations. Mr. Kitts gained extensive experience working in the South American countries of Trinidad, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. As Business Development Manager for Africa and Eastern Europe, he worked in Ukraine, Albania, Angola, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, and Namibia. In the late 90’s he worked extensively in the Asia Pacific region developing client and government relations in India, Bangladesh, Australia and Vietnam while serving as Western’s Director of Marketing & New Ventures, Far East and Australia. Since 1999 Mr. Kitts has worked as an Account Manager, Marketing Manager and Business Area Manager for PGS based in Singapore covering South East Asia. Most recently he was the Business Development Manager – South America for PGS based in Houston.

Mr. Kitts has an extremely broad portfolio including experience in land, transition zone (TZ) and marine seismic exploration, senior-level management, marketing, sales and contract negotiations. He is well-known and respected internationally with a proven track record covering all continents of the globe. His vast international experience is invaluable, as he has an in-depth understanding of the requirements to carry out successful operations in diverse terrains, climates and cultures.

Mr. Kitts grew up in South Africa before moving to the United Kingdom to attend college. He earned a Certificate of Education in Geography and Physical Education from Exeter University, and subsequently graduated from London University with Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences. During the course of his career, he has obtained numerous professional development and management course certifications. Mr. Kitts is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), the European Association of Exploration Geophysicists (EAGE), and the South East Asia Exploration Association (SEAPEX). He is fluent in English, Spanish and Afrikaans.

Larry Scott - Vice President of Worldwide Marine Operations

Mr. Scott began his career with Western Geophysical in 1979 as a marine seismic data processor, and later transferred to the marine operations group. During the mid-80's his interests turned to the technical aspects of seismic exploration, and he took up senior geophysicist roles in R&D and Applied Technology within Western Geophysical’s research division. During this period he became heavily involved in navigation and positioning technology for marine 3D surveys, and developed the industry's first onboard navigation post-processing system. He has managed a wide variety of operations, including conventional 2D, 3D, and 4D streamer as well as ocean bottom cable (OBC) and transition zone (TZ) operations.

Since leaving Western Geophysical in 2000, Mr. Scott has served as Vice President of EAME Marine Acquisition for Veritas DGC, Senior Vice President of GX Technology’s Integrated Seismic Solutions (ISS) business segment, and most recently as President of Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping Inc., a division of OHM Ltd. headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Mr. Scott graduated with highest honors from the University of Texas and is an active member of SEG, EAGE, AAPG, GSH and PESGB.

Robin Guscette - Operations Manager - Europe, Africa & the Middle East

Mr. Guscette has 23 years of operational experience managing field crews in a variety of environments including Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia and Alaska. Prior to joining Global, Mr. Guscette held operations management positions including Land Operations Supervisor and Field Crew Manager with Western Geophysical and WesternGeco.


Ivan Ortega Tamayo
Operations Manager - Latin America

Mr. Ortega has over 20 years of operational experience the industry. He served as Operations Manager and was later promoted to Resident Manager of Ecuador for Grant Geophysical.  He efficiently managed seismic acquisition operations for significant clients in the region, including the largest 3D program ever recorded in Ecuador. 

Mr. Ortega began his career at Western Geophysical in Colombia, working his way through the ranks up to Resident Manager.  He managed safe and profitable operations, maintaining excellent client relations and establishing the highest standards for seismic exploration in the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela.  He has supervised 2D and 3D acquisition crews in all types of environments, including jungle, swamp, shallow water, Altiplano, and llanos.

Mr. Ortega attended Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, D.C. 

Laurie Williams - Operations Manager, US Land

Mr. Williams, a 26 year seismic industry veteran, began his career at Western Geophysical in Pakistan in 1980. Starting out as a vibrator technician, he quickly advanced within the organization and held a variety of positions including Party Manager, Field Supervisor, Country Manager and Operations Support Manager. Mr. Williams’ operations experience includes managing multi-million dollar projects in challenging countries such as Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Kuwait, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Yemen, Algeria and Oman.

Chris Verret - Country Manager, Argentina

Mr. Verret has 27 years of experience worldwide and throughout all disciplines of the seismic industry. He began his career working as a processing seismologist for Geophysical Service Inc. (GSI) in Dallas, Texas in 1980. He quickly moved from data processing to international field operations and served as project manager on significant 3D seismic programs around the globe. Mr. Verret later transitioned through the ranks in operations at Halliburton Geophysical Services (HGS).

When Western Geophysical acquired HGS in 1994, Mr. Verret was assigned to Latin American operations as Area Geophysicist based in Argentina and subsequently held both technical and managerial positions. Following the merger of Western Geophysical and Schlumberger’s Geco-Prakla which formed WesternGeco, he transferred to Houston and worked as Account Manager and Land Sales Manager for North America.

Mr. Verret earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Energy Resources Management from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He is a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicist (SEG) and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

Mark Yale - Operations Supervisor, Latin America

Mark Yale, a 17+ year industry veteran, began his career at Western Geophysical, working his way up the ranks in various middle management positions in both operations and financial management.  On the operations side, Mark served as the Houston-based QHSE Supervisor for Europe and Latin America, and then advanced to Project Manager and Operations Manager for land crews in Mexico and Venezuela. 

Mr. Yale’s MBA education and extensive business acumen excelled him to into a Finance & Administration Manager position in Mexico City, and then Bolivia.  As WesternGeco’s Business Analyst for Mexico, he very successfully implemented the necessary accounting controls that turned around land operations from negative net income to break-even status within two years.

Most recently, Mr. Yale managed all administrative and financial reporting for a $107 million joint venture with a Mexican engineering and construction firm.

Mr. Yale spent most of his early life overseas, growing up in Latin America, Africa and the Far East.  He earned a Masters of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Reservoir Geology, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University. 

John Barrett - Manager - Health, Safety, Environment and Quality

Mr. Barrett is a native of New Zealand and has over 30 years of international experience in seismic operations and health, safety, and environment compliance. 

Mr. Barrett joined Western Geophysical in 1975 and performed field operations in the Middle East, Latin America, China and India.  John transitioned into his role as HSE Manager for Latin America operations, implementing, maintaining and proactively improving Western’s HSE program.  He then served as Operations Manager of Mexico Land and Transition Zone operations for WesternGeco (Schlumberger).  Most recently, John was the Health and Safety Manager for TBC Corporation in New Zealand.

Mr. Barrett recently has obtained a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (Distinction Pass) from Massey University in New Zealand.

   
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