KEO Energy Appoints New COO to Lead PetroUrdaneta Operations in Venezuela

(WO) — KEO Energy has named Philippe Bize as chief operating officer to manage its operational launch in Venezuela and direct redevelopment efforts for the PetroUrdaneta oil fields located in the Maracaibo basin.

Stationed in Venezuela, Bize’s primary responsibilities will include getting KEO Energy’s PetroUrdaneta assets ready for operation and assessing further oil and gas investments throughout the nation.

Bize possesses 15 years of sector experience, having worked in upstream roles for TotalEnergies and Eneva. His background also includes management consulting at Schlumberger Business Consulting and McKinsey & Company, where he counseled state-owned and international energy firms across Latin America. He started his energy career working as a drilling engineer at Total E&P.

“His deep background in upstream operations and transactions will bolster our leadership team as we plan the redevelopment of the PetroUrdaneta fields,” stated Davide Tomassoni, CEO of KEO Energy.

PetroUrdaneta manages oil fields within the Maracaibo basin in northwestern Venezuela. State-run PDVSA maintains a 60% stake in the joint venture, with KEO Energy presently owning a 24% indirect share.

KEO Capital executed a definitive agreement in July 2026 to buy an extra 16% indirect stake in PetroUrdaneta for $37.5 million, raising its overall stake to 40%. The deal features an added earn-out payment of €18 million dependent on hitting specific total output milestones.

This leadership addition coincides with KEO Energy’s strategy to scale up its active role in PetroUrdaneta and target further upstream ventures in Venezuela.