Commercialization of pyrolysis oil in existing refineries—Part 1

Steve Arbogast is a professor of the practice of finance and Director of the Kenan-Flagler Energy Center. He is also the Principal Owner and Director of AOTA Energy Consultants in Houston, Texas. His ExxonMobil career spanned 32 years and included various senior finance management positions. Over the course of his career, he has led or participated in more than $4 B in capital market and project financing. From 1997 to 2004, he served as Treasurer of Exxon Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical Co. Mr. Arbogast has taught in graduate MBA programs at Fordham University, Rice University and the University of Houston, focusing on international finance, project finance and business ethics, since 1987. In addition, he has served as a member of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Biofuels Technical Review Panel since 2008. He holds a BA degree in political science and government from Cornell University, an MPA degree from Princeton University and an MTh degree from the University of St. Thomas in Texas.

Don Bellman is an executive professor in the finance department at the Bauer College of Business, teaching energy economics-related courses, as well as a consultant with AOTA Energy Consultants. Prior to joining Bauer, he worked for 35 years for ExxonMobil Chemical, primarily as a business development manager, venture executive and strategic planning manager. He has held a variety of operating, marketing and planning roles, particularly relating to integration with refining and gas production. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Duke University and an MBA from Stanford University.

Dave Paynter is a consultant with AOTA Energy Consultants, specializing in petroleum refining technical management. He has more than 35 years of experience with ExxonMobil in refining process research and development, engineering and manufacturing management. At retirement, he was the head of ExxonMobil’s regional engineering office in Singapore. Prior to this assignment, he headed the company’s refining process development laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Paynter holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville, as well as an MS degree and a PhD in chemical engineering from Northwestern University.

Jim Wykowski is a consultant with AOTA Energy Consultants and was previously an Engineering Manager for ExxonMobil Chemicals. He has worked in the refining and chemical industries for 35 years and has experience in technical services, research and operations. He holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Southern California and an MSChE degree from the University of Delaware.