Powering tomorrow demands brilliant, transformative action today
A first of its kind collaborative hub that dissolves silos, removes barriers and fosters innovation.
Leadership team
Jeff Allyn
CEO
As CEO, it’s my mission to do whatever it takes to remove the barriers and bring the best teams together to advance energy innovation and navigate the energy transition so that we can achieve a net zero future. No matter how difficult the challenge, there’s nothing that can’t be solved when you bring the right blend of talent, perspectives, experiences and technology together and hold it accountable to a well-executed plan.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Enjoying my native vegetation and wildflower-filled backyard.
Jayme Renha
CFO
Coming from the world of investment banking and multinational corporations, I know the power inherent in a connected global community. Accelerating innovation and unlocking opportunity means managing risk and optimizing return. My focus is on process efficiency, simplification and digitization and I have a strong track record managing happy, motivated teams.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Busting out some Bossa Nova after a full day kitesurfing.
Kenton Prindle
Head of Innovation
I’m passionate about the opportunity to unlock new potential by building deep learning tools for subsurface exploration. As we race the clock to transform our energy systems there are game-changing AI applications that will increase efficiency, accelerate learning and alleviate transient knowledge gaps. By adapting cutting-edge tools from other industries and encouraging outside-in perspectives, we gain new insight from unexplored data connections.
Best day in our clean energy future:
A day on the rock face with my two high-octane kids.
Alice Hildick
Head of Operations
My whole career has been focused on climate resilience and the innovation we need to transform the industry. I enjoy the challenge of helping large organizations move at a tempo they didn't think possible. At Onward, I have the opportunity to demonstrate that sustainable processes and cultures are more operationally efficient and profitable, not just better for the future of our planet. I love being at an organization that fosters creativity and is not afraid to try and test new methods and technologies.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Finding harmony in the ocean by surfing a thriving reef break or snorkeling below the waves.
Cliff Vars
Head of Product
I combine my interest in science and experience in technology with a curiosity for understanding people’s motivation for using products. What are their goals, needs, frustrations? When we understand the levers that will drive adoption, we can begin to solve the complex energy transition puzzle.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Hiking in the woods on a sunny cool day.
Chris Samuel
Head of Engineering
For me, technical challenges are all about solving for the user experience. I have a passion for building well-crafted products that are effortless and accessible for people to use. My diverse experiences in the travel, communications and climate tech industries inform my approach and perspective. I believe in empowering high-performing, global teams to innovate and deliver products that drive results.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Playing guitar on a Maui beach.
Cristina Mirabal
Head of HR
When people are in a safe and happy environment, great things become possible. My drive comes from creating a culture and building a team where everyone can focus on doing what they love. My job is to make sure that every member of the Onward team can focus on their passion to innovate and transform the energy industry.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Spending time with my Frenchie, Lola, while working on a home project.
Michele “Mik” Isernia
Head of Sales
It's my belief that the best relationships, both personal and professional, are built on trust. I’m always trying to build trust and learn from my colleagues and customers. When a community is able to collectively leverage diverse experiences and technology to address common problems and achieve results, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Spending the day with my kids and grandkids in Colorado.
Christine Whatley
Head of Marketing
I love marketing because it is an action-packed adventure, blending creativity with data-driven insights. It's where art meets science, offering new challenges and innovations daily. I am excited to unite a community of scientists to tackle tough energy challenges.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Balancing two golden retrievers while creating yard art with organic materials in the mountains of Colorado.
Board of directors
Gabriel Guerra
Vice President Innovation and Performance at Shell
I’ve been a leader in the energy industry for over 20 years and I believe in constant innovation. I strongly believe that if we can dream a better future, we can create it. Innovation and technology, harnessed to aspiration, are the means to a better future for all.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Capturing beautiful photos of the world we’ve created with my latest edition drone.
Francesco Menapace
GM Technology Innovation at Shell
I have a deep passion for reinventing business models and scaling high-performing innovation teams. With over 17 years in the industry, I know we have to move faster and more collaboratively if we’re to solve the complex energy and climate challenges we face today. I believe Onward offers a platform that can drive radical innovation and unlock the potential of a community of innovators dedicated to purposeful change.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Writing and recording music in a creative blend of unintelligible languages, fueled by chocolate.
Hong Dinh
Digital Program Manager at Shell
As a finance professional with over 20 years of experience with venture startup operations in the energy industry, I know we need new thinking to unblock the road ahead. Onward is empowering collaboration between people from diverse backgrounds with fresh perspectives and distinct experiences. With support and resources, it is the power of these people that will drive transformation in our global energy systems.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Happy, healthy babies and a delicious meal from sustainably grown ingredients.
Martin Stauble
Independent Energy Consultant and Founder
I’ve spent my career in exploration and lived on several different continents. I’ve had a front row seat at the geopolitical show that impacts energy availability, accessibility and cost. With the experience I’ve gained I’m now focused on preparing the industry for the uncertainty and complexity that lies ahead. Onward is providing the digital tools and data resources that will empower the next generation of explorers. I’m particularly excited about the opportunities for coaching, mentoring and training that the Onward community creates.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Planning a trip to a destination where I can golf and scuba dive on the same day.
Frits Klap
Senior Vice President, Chemicals & Products Canada at Shell
For more than 20 years, I’ve worked in the energy industry and held a variety of commercial, operational and leadership roles. Prior to my current role, I established a profitable decarbonization unit which merged into Shell’s Low Carbon Solutions business and led Shell’s onshore upstream business as Senior Vice President US Shales. I have also served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Aera Energy. I’ve lived and worked in the Netherlands, Qatar, Dubai, Iraq, the UK and the US.
Julie Ferland
Vice President, Innovation Excellence at Shell
As Vice President, Innovation Excellence, my primary role is infusing Shell’s Technology teams with innovative capabilities and tools to Power Progress Together. Previously, I led Shell TechWorks, Shell’s entrepreneurial innovation hub in Boston. Prior to joining Shell, I held senior leadership positions at Hydroid and Maritime Applied Physics Corporation and served as an Engineering Duty Officer and Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. I hold two graduate degrees from MIT and an undergraduate degree from Harvard.
Jeff Allyn
CEO
As CEO, it’s my mission to do whatever it takes to remove the barriers and bring the best teams together to advance energy innovation and navigate the energy transition so that we can achieve a net zero future. No matter how difficult the challenge, there’s nothing that can’t be solved when you bring the right blend of talent, perspectives, experiences and technology together and hold it accountable to a well-executed plan.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Enjoying my native vegetation and wildflower-filled backyard.
Jayme Renha
CFO
Coming from the world of investment banking and multinational corporations, I know the power inherent in a connected global community. Accelerating innovation and unlocking opportunity means managing risk and optimizing return. My focus is on process efficiency, simplification and digitization and I have a strong track record managing happy, motivated teams.
Best day in our clean energy future:
Busting out some Bossa Nova after a full day kitesurfing.