Executive Leadership

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Rob is a Chartered Accountant (SA), CFA charterholder, and holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering. He founded Riverside Energy in 2010 to pursue U.S. oil and gas investments. A major milestone was the 2016 acquisition of Chevron’s Michigan assets, backed by White Deer Energy. Since that acquisition, Riverside has completed eleven acquisitions of upstream properties and associated midstream infrastructure. Under Rob’s leadership, Riverside has become Michigan’s largest natural gas producer and a CCS leader with a sustained, long-term commitment to carbon capture and storage, employing more than 250 people across Michigan, Indiana, and Texas and sequestering approximately 450,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Prior to Riverside, Rob held roles at KPMG, Monitor-Deloitte, and founded Umbono Capital, which built a strong investment portfolio in mining ventures during the 2000s.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jim leads Riverside Energy Group’s operations with a focus on safety, reliability, and innovation. With expertise in upstream, midstream, CCUS, and renewable natural gas (RNG), he oversees design, permitting, construction, and compliance activities that support the company’s growth and sustainability goals. Jim began his energy career in 2008 with Atlas Energy, developing natural gas fields in the New Albany Shale, and later advanced through engineering roles at Chevron North America E&P before joining Riverside in 2016. Since then, he has led major CCS and RNG initiatives that position the company at the forefront of the energy transition. He earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, graduating summa cum laude, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

VP OF CORPORATE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Helen serves as VP of Corporate Business Development, leading strategic initiatives and major transactions such as acquisitions, mergers, and joint ventures to support Riverside’s growth and long-term value creation. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst and holds an MBA from the University of Delaware. Her experience includes senior roles at KPMG and Deloitte, management advisory work with McKinsey, and CFO leadership positions across the energy and industrial sectors. She brings deep expertise in M&A, valuation, and operational finance.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Rob Symons is a Chartered Accountant (SA) and has served as Chief Financial Officer of Riverside Energy Group since 2012. With more than two decades of experience, Rob has played a key role in guiding Riverside Energy through multiple mergers and acquisitions, providing financial leadership and overseeing integration strategies to support long-term growth. His background spans corporate finance, risk management, and operational efficiency, complemented by early career experience directing economic development programs in emerging markets through an international aid organization.

VP OF LAND

Rebecca serves as Vice President of Land, overseeing the Land and Administrative Departments while supporting strategic initiatives, including CO₂ sequestration, underground gas storage, and acquisition due diligence. With more than 40 years of experience, she has led land operations, managed a nationwide land brokerage, and co-managed a natural gas investment fund. Her expertise includes due diligence, title, contracts, leasing, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters. A Certified Professional Landman (CPL), she holds a bachelor's degree in education and is a past president of the Michigan Association of Professional Landmen. Outside work, Rebecca enjoys quilting and volunteers by creating handmade items for veterans and local healthcare organizations.

VP OF FINANCE

Nate serves as Vice President of Finance, overseeing financial accounting, reporting, budgeting, and strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and has 15 years of experience in the energy industry. Since beginning his career in 2011, Nate has advanced through accounting and finance leadership roles, building expertise in financial reporting, planning, and operational finance.

VP OF UPSTREAM BUSINESS DEVELOPEMENT

John serves as Vice President of Upstream Business Development, leading acquisition efforts, preparing reserve reports, and supporting reservoir engineering initiatives. With more than 50 years of industry experience, John has held technical and leadership roles across operators, producers, service companies, and consulting firms. His expertise includes reservoir engineering, exploration and production, operations, and acquisition and divestiture projects in domestic and international markets. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas, and is active in several industry organizations. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, golf, music, and travel.