James Elston

Respected entrepreneurial upstream Oil and Gas professional, 23 years experience in Industry, Banking and Consulting. Currently an independent advisor with demonstrable flair in supporting capital raisings/flotations/M&A; and advising on strategy and valuation. Until recently CEO of TSX-V listed Realm Energy International Co. 2009/10 driving the company’s acquisition of a significant acreage position for shale gas and oil in Europe before and after RTO. Secured a significant Shale Gas and Shale Oil exploration acreage position in Poland and Germany, filed major applications in France and Spain utilising a slim company model. Company subsequently secured ConocoPhillips as a partner for its Paris Basin applications and a merger valuing the company at ca C$140m with AIM listed San Leon Energy was completed in 2011. Early career in onshore gas facilities engineering and operations in Europe followed by Pan-European upstream analysis and consulting. Excellent analytical skills, he is adept at distilling the important issues from complex situations. Enjoys weighing up the imponderables and drawing compelling conclusions. Charismatic and respected oil industry commentator with a range of senior company contacts, often quoted in the press his analysis has been discussed at the highest levels. An inveterate networker, his insight and creativity helps him see the connectivity of geology, people, companies, events and opportunities vital to building new businesses