About Us

Paul B. Loyd Jr. is a force to be reckoned with in the energy industry. He steered R&B Falcon Corporation, the world's leading offshore drilling company at the time, as Chairman and CEO for several years.  His strategic vision culminated in a successful merger with Transocean, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader. Even after retiring as CEO, Transocean honored his contributions by naming a semi-submersible rig after him.

Loyd Jr.'s influence extends beyond the boardroom. He founded Loyd & Associates, an investment firm focused on the energy sector, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to the field.  He is also a loyal alumnus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he earned his BBA in Economics.  His commitment to SMU is evident through his service on the Board of Trustees since 2000 and his current role as Chair of the Athletic Committee. In recognition of his dedication, SMU bestowed upon him their highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, in 2012.

David F. Pena, a petroleum engineer with global experience, steers Petralis Energy Resources as its Managing Director. Before taking the helm at Petralis, he played a key role in Aurora Oil and Gas's successful acquisition by Baytex Energy for a staggering $2.9 billion. His expertise was honed during his years at ConocoPhillips Applied Technology group, where he rose to become Worldwide Well Testing Manager. He also served as a Senior Reservoir Engineer secondee in China, Norway, and Australia.

Born in Arlington, Virginia, David's life journey has taken him to Venezuela and Houston, where he's resided since 2005. Graduating with Cum Laude from Universidad de Oriente in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering, David further bolstered his credentials with Stanford University's SUPRID program in 2006.  David was recently accepted into the executive MBA program at Rice University. Outside work, David takes pride in being a family man dedicated to his twin boys, two daughters, and wife.