Synfuels Team
Synfuels International, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 in Texas with the challenge of developing, marketing and commercializing a portfolio of natural gas conversion processes which began with licensing rights to a novel technology from Texas A&M University. Under the guidance of management and the expertise of engineering, Synfuels International developed and now possesses the best and most comprehensive non-Fischer Tropsch portfolio of natural gas conversion technologies in the world.
Ben R. Weber, Jr.
– Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Synfuels International, Inc. A native of Dallas, Texas and a 1975 graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Business Administration, Mr. Weber was associated with a Dallas-based independent oil and gas operator from 1975 until 1982 prior to establishing Weber Energy Corporation. Over the past almost 30 years operating Weber Energy, Mr. Weber has built a strong, successful track record and gained recognition as an aggressive oil and gas operator at the forefront of technology, including the new Eagle Ford Gas Shale Trend. In 1998 with the granting of licensing rights to an innovative GTL technology, Synfuels International was born and nurtured by Mr. Weber to its current status of commercial validation and potential for huge strides in the alternative energy industry.
Charles E. Matar
– Vice-President of International Marketing for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Mr. Matar focuses on managing strategic marketing and licensing of Synfuels GTL and GTE technologies, as well as supporting the efforts of Synfuels’ agents and partners. In the past as President of a consulting firm specializing in international business development, Mr. Matar has successfully advised a number of international companies and led multi-million dollar expansion projects in several industries. As VP of International Development for ALAhram Beverages (ABC), Mr. Matar arranged the largest ever beverage distribution contract with Saudi Arabia which led to a successful bid by Heineken. Mr. Matar has also held senior positions at several trading companies and an investment bank. Mr. Matar holds a B.Sc. in Finance and a M.Sc. in International Marketing, and is fluent in Arabic and several Middle Eastern dialects. Mr. Matar is very familiar with the region’s geography as well as the laws and traditions which are important when conducting business successfully in the MENA territory.
Allen Richmond
– Licensing Attorney for Synfuels International, Inc. Mr. Richmond has assisted Synfuels in its licensing business for a number of years and consults on many issues related to all aspects of the Synfuels’ technologies. Mr. Richmond retired from Phillips Petroleum Company where he was Manager, Patents and Licensing. He has over 30 years experience in licensing and intellectual property issues relating to the petroleum and petrochemical industry.
Edward Peterson Ph.D., P.E.
is the VP of Engineering with 30+ years of experience in the oil, gas and chemical industries, ranging from basic research to process engineering of major chemical and petroleum plant upgrades. Dr. Peterson received his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University and his M.S. from Rice University in Chemical Engineering. He provides expert knowledge and interfaces with our research and technology application resources, and has been actively involved with the design of the new Synfuels technology since its inception. Dr. Peterson is an inventor on many of the issued and pending Synfuels patents and continues to be a vital asset as Synfuels moves into the commercial design and implementation of the technology worldwide.
Bryan Research & Engineering
– was awarded the initial engineering contract to lay the groundwork for the research and development of the Synfuels GTL technology. They continue to provide engineering expertise on the project. BR&E is a widely recognized privately owned provider of software and engineering solutions to the oil, gas, refining and chemical industries. BR&E has combined company research and development in process simulation with state of the art computerized engineering technology. Dr. Joel Cantrell, Keith Bullin and Duane Morrow are development engineers for BR&E and have contributed to several patents in the Synfuels licensed technology portfolio.
Board of Directors
Ben R. Weber, Jr.
Chairman - see reference above.
Dr. Kenneth Hall
is currently the Associate Vice Chancellor of Engineering and Director of Texas Engineering Experiment Station at Texas A&M University System in Doha, Qatar. Dr. Hall is one of the inventors of the gas-to-liquids technology behind the Synfuels’ process, and was the motivating force which enabled Texas A&M and Synfuels to join efforts to research, develop and implement the GTL technology.
Qatham Al-Jelaibi
is currently the Business Development Manager for AREF Energy Holding Company, Kuwait, a strategic partner with Synfuels International since 2007. Mr. Al-Jelaibi has 15 years of experience related to the operations, marketing, logistics and investments in oil and gas and energy sectors, and spent many years with Kuwait National Petroleum Company before joining AREF. Mr. Al-Jelaibi has an MBA in Finance and BS in Chemical Engineering.
Phil Lacerte
is one of Synfuels’ original investment partners. Mr. Lacerte is a partner/owner of several successful businesses including Primo’s Restaurant, Lighting Science Group, Lacerte Software, and is the General Partner of the Lacerte Capital Fund.
Robert Boggus
is the President of Boggus Motors in McAllen and part of a family of strong Synfuels investment partners. Mr. Boggus serves on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army, Texas Automobile Dealers Association and the Valley Baptist Medical Center.
