InterEnergy: Pride Heroes

This event is being run by a separate LGBT network (InterEnergy)

InterEnergy London and K&L Gates celebrate Pride in London 2015

In the spirit of London’s 2015 Pride parade theme, “Pride Heroes”, InterEnergy London and K&L Gates are delighted to invite you and your colleagues to a panel discussion celebrating ‘Pride Heroes of the Energy Sector’.

Our “Pride Heroes” will deliver a thought-provoking and dynamic evening sharing their experiences of being out or being an ally in the energy sector in different parts of the world. The discussion will be followed by an informal drinks and networking reception with other InterEnergy companies, whilst taking in views of St Paul’s Cathedral at the offices of K&L Gates.

Featured panellists:

• BP – Sarah Odell – Head of Organisational Effectiveness, BP Corporate Business Activities and Functions
• Shell – James Cowan – Associate General Counsel, Litigation International
• Chevron – Rachel Preece – Subsurface Manager and Deputy MDto Britannia Operator Ltd
• BG Group – James Derry, Lead Geologist, Exploration

The panel will be chaired by Tamoor Ali of BP. Tamoor is a Senior Commercial Advisor for BP’s Libya, Egypt and Morocco business units and is Stonewall’s 2015 Role Model of the Year.

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BP – Sarah Odell

As Head of Organisational Effectiveness for BP Corporate Business Activities and Functions, Sarah’s role involves leading on D&I and HR analytics, as well as learning and change activities. She has been at BP for 18 months and is co-chair of BP Pride. Sarah spent her early career in the US before moving to Accenture in the UK, where she held various roles within the talent and organisation consulting practice. Sarah has previously served as the co-chair of the Accenture LGBT network, as well as the Gay Women’s Network in London.

Shell – James Cowan

James was named Associate General Counsel – International in Shell’s Global Litigation group, effective 1 April 2015. He leads the Shell lawyers who handle disputes for all Shell businesses in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific. His previous role was as Managing Counsel in Rio de Janeiro leading the regional team which managed disputes in Latin America and the Caribbean. He moved to Brazil, with his husband, in July 2012 from Houston, where he handled commercial litigation matters for Shell Oil Company. Before joining Shell in 2003, he represented clients in a wide variety of litigation matters at a private practice in Houston, and received Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Texas.

Chevron – Rachel Preece

Rachel is the Subsurface Manager and Deputy MD to Britannia Operator Ltd, a small upstream joint operator owned by Chevron and ConocoPhillips in Aberdeen. A geoscientist by background, Rachel has spent most of her professional career overseas developing her understanding of the petroleum industry and learning through a series of cross-functional and leadership roles. Rachel was closely involved in Chevron PRIDE in the US as a straight ally and, since returning to the UK (with her young family), Rachel has become a management sponsor of Chevron PRIDE UK, working closely with the UK chapter as it re-launches.

BG Group – James Derry

James is a geologist with BG Group and is currently performing as a Petroleum Systems Analyst within Group Exploration. In this role, he delivers specialist geoscience projects for assets across BG Group’s global portfolio influencing exploration strategy from country entry to acreage relinquishment. Having performed in a variety of roles, from exploration to operations and wellsite geology with BG in Trinidad and Tobago, James left its 30°C sun, sand and sea in January of 2013 to take up an international assignment here in the UK, which is due to last until the end of this year. Shortly after his arrival, and with the help of InterEnergy, he co-founded their LGBT employee network, BG Pride, which he also co-chairs.