Shameek Konar

Partner, Energy Decarbonization

Shameek is Partner, Head of Ara Energy Decarbonization, leading the firm’s innovative strategy to acquire, optimize and decarbonize conventional energy assets. This strategy initially focuses on thermal power generation, biofuels production, and the transportation and distribution of retail energy products. Shameek has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector and prior to Ara Shameek served as the CEO of Pilot Company, the largest supplier of transportation fuels in the US. During his time at Pilot the company’s EBIT grew by over 80% in just over two years. His efforts there significantly boosted fuel sales, focused on customer experience and made the company a leader in low carbon fuels in the industry. Pilot became the largest seller of renewable fuels to the transportation industry at 1.5 Bn gallons a year and developed a nationwide network of DC fast chargers in partnership with GM to promote EV integration.

Before his tenure at Pilot, Shameek served as Chief Investment Officer at Castleton Commodities and Mercuria Energy Group, where he led significant expansions in their presence in North American commodity markets through the acquisitions of the J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley Commodities platforms, and invested in and operated investment portfolios of physical energy assets (power, logistics, production and processing) across multiple geographies. Shameek also spent time at Goldman Sachs, where, as Co-Head of Global Commodities and Principal Investing, and Constellation Energy, a leading U S energy merchant, where he was part of the executive leadership team responsible for the company’s strategy and M&A efforts. Shameek started his career as a public policy associate at Putnam, Hayes and Bartlett focusing on environmental and energy policy matters

Shameek’s comprehensive understanding of the global energy landscape drives Ara Energy’s focus on applying sustainable and innovative solutions to conventional energy assets. Shameek serves on the Advisory Board of the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee, the Board of Directors for The Conservation Fund and in his spare time teaches climate change and mergers & acquisitions at the University of Tennessee. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Vanderbilt University, with a focus on Finance and Corporate Environmental Performance. Beyond his professional pursuits, Shameek is passionate about the outdoors, actively engaging in hiking, cycling, golf and tennis.

James Chiu

Managing Director, Energy Decarbonization

James plays a critical role in aligning Ara Energy’s infrastructure investments with its aims to decarbonize and enhance sustainability in energy, including thermal power and biofuels. James’ extensive background in energy and finance, with a focus on strategic planning and execution, equips him with unique insights necessary for leading Ara Energy’s multi-faceted initiatives. Specifically, recent roles at Pilot Travel Centers and Castleton Commodities International saw James leading initiatives across business and corporate development, and alternative fuels, setting the stage for impactful contributions at Ara.

In addition to his professional endeavors, James has a Bachelor’s degree from McGill University, where he studied Finance and Chemistry. James’ commitment to sustainability extends to his personal life, where he enjoys activities such as running and hiking and a dedication to a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.

David Sims

Managing Director, Energy Decarbonization

David brings extensive expertise in asset management and strategic acquisitions to advance the firm’s initiatives in decarbonization and energy transformation. His career is marked by significant achievements in strategic oversight and operational efficiency improvements, particularly in asset and midstream operations from his time at Constellation Energy and Pilot Company.  He was also a founding partner of a Registered Investment Adviser (OneMap Minerals Services) where his primary responsibilities included financial oversight, fundraising, and fund investments.  His experience extends across leading business units and managing investments, which plays a crucial role in his ability to drive strategic projects at Ara Energy.  To that end, David’s role involves steering critical aspects of the firm’s strategy to enhance returns and sustainability across various energy sectors.

David holds an MBA from Rice University, focusing on Finance and Entrepreneurship, and finished his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University.

Matthew Dunn

Principal, Energy Decarbonization

Matthew is a Principal at Ara, bringing focused expertise to the firm’s investment strategy in the evolving energy market.

Previously, as Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at Pilot Company, he spearheaded significant transactions, including a pioneering nationwide electric vehicle charging infrastructure program. His career path includes roles at Castleton Commodities International, where he focused on power asset investments from both Houston and London offices, and Mercuria Energy Trading, where he served as an associate in the principal investments group. Matthew’s professional journey began at Goldman Sachs.

At Ara, Matthew leverages his extensive background to identify and cultivate opportunities aligned with the firm’s mission to invest and innovate in sectors in need of decarbonization such as thermal power, biofuels, and retail energy distribution.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Matthew holds a B.A. in History. When he’s not navigating the complexities of energy markets, you can find him engrossed in a good book, continuing his long time passion for rowing, or cherishing moments with his wife and two children.