Board and Directors

Zahid Bashir

President & CEO

Zahid is an entrepreneur and technocrat. He has more than 30 years of Domestic and International Experience in Full-Time Consultancy-Service to Governments and the Private Industry, such as being the Prime Minister’s House Press Secretary under Pakistan’s Prime Minister Gilani as well as being his Spokesman. Zahid was an Integral Part of the Core Team of the Prime Minister. His duties included traveling with and attending all meetings in Pakistan and abroad, accompanying the Prime Minister on State Visits.

Zahid has held Key Positions within the Government of Pakistan being as well the Director Marketing of The Pakistan Cricket Board, Director General of the Pakistan Post, Senior Advisor to the Governor of Punjab and Chairman of the Red Crescent Society (Red Cross) Punjab, Pakistan In the early 80’s Zahid worked with his Mentor in the Oil Trade, the Late Mr. Nelson Bunker Hunt Texas Oil Baron who played a very significant Role in the Discovery and Development of the Oil Fields of Libya, which were nationalized by Col. Muammar Gaddafi in 1973 and  Owner of Dallas based Titan Resources Corporation, which is still involved in the Exploration of Oil in North Africa. Zahid, apart from Budget Petroleum Trading LLC and Budget Gold Trading DMCC, Dubai, UAE, owns a Group of Companies named “Budget Group” in Pakistan consisting of “Budget Rent-a-Car (Pvt) Ltd. < Master Franchisee of Budget Rent-a-Car Corporation in Pakistan >, “Budget Security Systems & Services (Pvt) Ltd., Exclusive Representative of Security Pro USA for Pakistan & Afghanistan, “Budget Communications (Pvt) Ltd., Sole Distributor of Dish TV for the Pakistani Market.

Marco Isaak

Executive Chairman Budget Petroleum

Group CEO Asia Cargo Network

 

Marco Isaak is a Singaporean entrepreneur and business magnate, who embarked on what was once a small family owned logistics business into an opportunity to build arguably the largest air cargo group in Southeast Asia. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Marco has established himself as a highly respected thought leader in the air cargo and logistics space, emphasising in one’s strengths rather than weakness.

During this period, he has built a multinational group of companies, strategically placed in the region with subsidiaries and investments across the aviation, real estate and entertainment industries – including World Cargo Airlines, Asia Cargo Airlines, and the more recently formed Raffles Global Angkasa and Isaak Music Entertainment.

His acute business acumen coupled with his pioneering approach to the commercial development of creating an award-winning air cargo business, has greatly benefited their clients, customers and business partners alike.

Marco’s vision of a world-class air cargo and logistics group has been brought to life through establishing trusted partnerships around the world, and spearheading a team of over 800 staff who are committed to his mission of reshaping the future of the industry. In his spare time, Marco enjoys philosophy, travelling and spending time with his wife and five children, some of whom are also working within the business.

Frederik C. van de Graaff

Chief Operating Officer 

Frederik C. van de Graaff is a retired -Multi-Lingual- Career Businessman & Multi-Commodity Trader with over Half  a Century Global Trading-, Senior & Board Level Management & Operational  Experience with World Class (Chemicals-, Pharma- & Oil Trading) Multi-Nationals), as well as with his own Multimillion Dollar -Specialised- International Trading  “CERTUS BARTER & COUNTERTRADE BV” Specialist in Bi-Lateral Trading -Country To Country- Clearing Arbitrage, Compensation (Dealing with any conceivable Asset, Commodity, Service & MinDef Compensations) Company, and in Board Level Consulting..as well as & Guest Speaker at International Symposia, former Corporate Member of “The Federation Of International Traders c/o “Bank fuer Handel und Effekten”/BFE, Zuerich & Netherlands’ Representative of former “Magyar Kulkereskedelmi Bank”/MKB, Budapest. He is a graduate of “Nijenrode” Business University, Breukelen, The Netherlands with Post Graduate Education at “Institut Europeen d’Administration des Affaires”/INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France. Frederik serves “Budget Petroleum Trading LLC” as ‘Executive Advisor’ to the CEO & President and liaises with International & Global Players -active in the Field of Interest of “Budget Petroleum Trading LLC for and on behalf of Zahid Bashir, CEO & PRESIDENT.

Syed W. Quadri (CPA, MBA, PFS)

Chief Financial Officer

Syed brings over three Decades of progressive and determined involvement in International Business, Finance and Taxation. His professional Career Span covers -starting from a -on a Paper Napkin- Scribbled Business Idea to its Implementation through a Formal Business Plan, to securing it’s Financing, Strategic Implementation, Expansion and ongoing Compliance in the Global Regulatory Domain, especially in the Oil & Gas and Mobile Technology Sectors are significantly highlighted in Syed’s Area of Interest and Specialty. His profile also includes consulting Multi-National Financial Institutions, Pharmaceutical and Textile Industries from US and International Taxation Perspectives. During his ongoing tenure deep involvement in Investment Banking, Business Intelligence and International Tax Technology along with IT Auditing and Reviewing have been an influential factor in Syed’s Career Growth. Syed Geographical Experience covers the Americas, Europe and Asia. In addition to holding an MBA in Oil & Gas, Syed is a Licensed CPA and a Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Syed is a seasoned Speaker on US Tax Compliance and US Treasury’s Regulatory Implementation effecting International Businesses.

During his past Professional Tenure Syed has represented Professional Organizations at Government Agencies and Members of US Congress and Senate Committees on a Variety of Tax issues and to express Concern on specific Tax Measures adversely effecting US businesses and Individual Tax Payers Worldwide. He has also made Presentations in National and International Events/Exhibitions/Seminars in an Advisor/Consultant’s Capacity.

Donna Blonien

Executive Director

 

Donna Blonien joined the Budget Petroleum group in 2015, with over 30 years’ experience in business development and over fifteen years’ experience in commodities trading, working predominantly with oil and gas transactions and precious metals. She has consulted on project development in the oil and gas industry and several large and small scale mining projects in regard to funding inclusive of metallurgical processes and extraction methodology. Over her career she has worked in New Business Development, Investments and Finance, Insurance, Real Estate Projects and Telecom. Ms. Blonien started her career, owning her first business, at the young age of twenty one. Ms. Blonien currently resides in the USA.

Albert Taylor

Director North America

 

Albert L. Taylor has worked as a exploration and production engineer onshore and offshore since 1980, domestically in the USA and internationally in Russia, Indonesia and Australia. Between 1999 and 2001 he worked for the Moscow Narodny Bank Limited North America office in Winnipeg, Canada as their crude oil and refined petroleum products specialist as well as several other notable petroleum trading companies sourcing and marketing crude and refined petroleum products. 

Valeria Leira

Director South America

 

Valeria Leira has been an entrepreneur since she celebrated her 15th birthday. She is a professional in business administration with specializations in International Hydrocarbons business management from IESA, covering areas such as the International Banking System, Trusts, Financial Services, Fiscal Planning, Regulatory Compliance, and technology application in multiple sectors of the economy. Throughout her career, she has founded more than 8 successful companies.

Due to her extensive business experience, she has successfully secured multiple open tenders with various entities, including the Government of Venezuela, the Attorney General’s Office, Libertador Mayor’s Office of Caracas, Ministry of Communication and Technology RedTV, and the Development Production Plant of Appliances of Haier China in Venezuela. Additionally, she has served as a consultant for the creation of microfinance institutions and bank licenses in Latin America, fostering commercial relations between National Oil Companies in LATAM.

Acting under good faith, she has built a robust network of professional contacts in first-line institutions. She meticulously evaluates commercial, political, legal risks, trends, and prestigious rates in each activity with the firm intention of achieving the projected benefit in each scenario. On October 6th, 2023, we welcomed Ms. Leira to the Budget Petroleum Family and wish her all the very best in her future prospects.

Yousef Hindi

Resident Director China

 

Yousef boasts an extensive background, spanning nearly a decade, within the dynamic and intricate realm of the oil and gas industry. His journey has been one of continuous growth, marked by the acquisition of profound expertise, invaluable experiences, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

With an impressive track record behind him, Yousef is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in his professional journey. Effective September 30, 2023, he will be bringing his wealth of knowledge and skills to the esteemed team at Budget Petroleum. This significant milestone signifies not only a fresh beginning for Yousef but also a promising partnership that holds the potential for mutual growth and success. His arrival is anticipated to contribute significantly to Budget Petroleum’s mission and objectives, further solidifying the company’s position within the industry.

As Yousef transitions to this new role, his dedication to excellence and his passion for the oil and gas sector remain unwavering. His arrival at Budget Petroleum is a testament to his commitment to advancing the industry and continuing his personal and professional journey of exploration, innovation, and achievement.

Victor Olsen

Executive Director

 

Victor has more than 30 years’ combined experience in top level port management serving the Port of Singapore Authority, international shipping and the dynamic commodities trading industry. His predominant focus is the on going development of global oil & gas trading supported by efficient supply chain logistics for his established network of strong business associates in Asia and ASEAN.

Shahrukh Khan

C H A indefinite USA

Executive Director 

Mr. Shahrukh Khan is Chairman & President of American Hospitality Group USA since 2016. He has over thirty years of experience in hotel management and operations having been privileged to open 60 Sheraton hotels worldwide, Member of who is who in the world think tank, Member food & beverage New York and also worked for Marriott, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Carlton and Pearl Continental Hotels (Formerly known Intercontinental Hotels) with a proven record of improving top line sales and NOI through creative management strategies. Mr. Khan had been G​eneral Manager for Four Points by Sheraton Houston, Texas, Director of New Projects U.S.A., Hashoo Group Dubai, U.A.E.,  Vice President of Operations/Asset Manager, Crowne Plaza (Galleria) Houston, Texas, Executive Director of Operations, Alraee Group of Companies, U.A.E. (Gulf), Corporate Director of Operations/Director of Overseas Projects, Hashoo Group, Director of Operations for Gulf, U.K., South Africa, U.S.A., Salem Group of Companies, General Manager/Director of Sales, Sheraton Regal Hotel, Corporate Sales Manager/Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Hotel & Tower. We welcome Mr. Khan to Budget Petroleum Group family and due to his credibility and strong networking in the industry we strongly believe that Budget Petroleum will further rise by leaps and bounds.  

DATO’ PADUKA LONG MOHD NOOR AFFENDI BIN LONG IBRAHIM JP

Executive Director

Dato’ Paduka Long Mohd Noor Affendi, an Economic graduate from New Zealand, is currently the Executive Chairman of PETMAL Group (PG), the first integrated and the only independent, privately, owned, licensed oil company in Malaysia. He began his steppingstone in the oil & gas industry In the 1980s with PetroFina which subsequently merged with TOTAL. He managed to execute project management for Oil and Gas for downstream of PETMAL petrol stations, transportation, refinery, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), lubricants, tank farms and oil terminals. In the upstream activities, he was involved in on-shore and off-shore oil exploration and production.

In the energy sector, he was involved in hydrocarbon, power plants, solar, wind and hydro, and in Engineering – Procurement – Construction – Commissioning + Financing (EPCC + F). He was also involved in the infrastructure development especially in oil and gas, including petrol chemical complex, fertilizer plants and petrochemical products including polypropylene and resins. In maritime activities, he was involved in supply, repairs, and fabrication of vessels. Owing to his extensive networks, he was able to supply these vessels to civilian and military organizations, locally and overseas.

His involvement in oil palm business was mainly in the supply of refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD), palm oil, fatty acids and palm kernel oils. He had vast experience and exposure in Chambers of Commerce, Trade and Business Councils. His political networking and far sightedness had lured him to business interests in Europe, China, and Africa. He was the former Chairman of Malaysia– Poland Business Council. Dato Affendi had wide experience in dealing with multinationals in Malaysia as well as overseas and was a Country and Regional Representative for established companies from various industries. He was also a turn around and business reengineering specialist and had managed special projects under Malaysian Government. He had successfully developed blueprints of sectorial industries, start-ups, restructuring financing, and global business matching. He also had ventured into services industries including hotels, food and services, financial services, global insurance, and reinsurance placements. He was intensively involved in sand mining and trading from Johor to Singapore. With this experience, he is familiar with all the regulations, documentations and the requirements of the sand mining and trading, its transportation and logistics. His excellent track record and services earned him the title of Justice of Peace (JP)and Datoship (DJMK) from His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Kelantan. Budget Petroleum Trading LLC proudly annouced Dato Paduka Long Mohd Noor Effendi induction as Executive Director on September 27th, 2021.

Rahmat Shah

Resident Director Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia

Rahmat Shah is an international business entrepreneur who was responsible for the expansion of State Chemical USA into Singapore and SouthEast Asia. He developed the company successfully and expanded the business over a short period of time after which it was acquired by a local group.

Rahmat was born and resides in Singapore. He is currently a Director in a local company tasked to develop a seamless and efficient fuel trading network for distribution within the group and farther. Recognizing that the company wants and needs it’s supply that is clean as well as reliable and affordable, he set a new direction for MZR Energy Resources Pte Ltd when he took on the role in February 2022.

Even as MZR Energy diversifies and expands, Rahmat believes that oil and gas trading remain an essential part of the business, allowing the company to deliver for shareholders today while transforming for tomorrow. And to do all of this, he has been clear that MZR Energy needs to reinvent itself – becoming a leaner, flatter, faster-moving company, as well as one that is more diverse, equitable and inclusive.

Moses Asaga

Resident Director Sub-Sahara Africa

Moses Asaga joins Budget Petroleum with 30 years of experience in finance, international energy, oil & gas both up and downstream. Worked as a financial analyst both in the oil and gas, power and served on a couple of public sector board including the Publics Utilities Regulatory Commission, Ghana Commercial Bank and one time Deputy Minister of Finance. He worked with Daishin Securities & Investments, Seoul,Korea as industry analyst.

He worked with the Ministry of Energy as an assistant officer and latter on joined the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, as Principal Project Finance Officer before his appointment as deputy minister, He was the Chairman of Energy Committee in Parliament in charge of petroleum agreements approvals and power purchase agreements. He was also, the CEO of National Petroleum Authority, Ghana and signed off in 2017 and has been a consultant in energy, oil & gas.

He holds a Bsc in Industrial Chemistry, MBA(Finance) and MPhil Financial Economics, Research from Durham Univ. U.K

Gaye Elaj LANDSKY

Director of Business Development LNG Origination

With 15 years of experience step by step in the most important sectors of Oil & Gas, going through the acquisitions of “Soft Torque Top Drives” for Drilling Company Markets and for Tenders from Sonatrach, PetroVietnam, until complete Administrative Management and Government Authorizations for the setting up a Distribution Network for BP, TOTAL, REPSOL, KAZMUNAYGAS DYNEFF, EXXON-MOBIL Products by the EPI Group and EPI Energy on 50 Oil Depots in France. Board Director of Petroplus Overseas thus developing Partnerships with -among others- SINOPEC, HENGLI & NOC Libya and -through Senior Levels of Management- negotiating LNG Gas Supply Contracts with Global Players like ENI, TOTAL, Engie / GDF for on behalf of the PSA Group & Subcontractors/ Engineblock Foundries & Manufacturing Plants, Power Companies in Greece, Ireland & Spain.

With this strong experience and relationships with most of the world Gas Players, Mr Landsky is mainly focused on the Business Development of the Global LNG markets.

Alex Savvidis

Resident Director Greece

A reliable and driven Professional who operates with integrity. Good People Skills and a pleasure to interact with. Effective in managing multiple tasks to achieve goals. He is currently active in the Energy Trading Sector as a Partner in Tradigas, handling Trading Leads in the LNG, LPG, Crude Oil, and Derivatives Industry, in close collaboration with Refineries and First-Class Traders from Around the World. From 2020, he negotiates on behalf of Budget Petroleum Trading LLC joining our Portfolios together, with the aim to further expand the SNP Network and adding Value to its Shipping Sector.

Alexander was born in Tokyo, raised in Hong Kong, lived in Germany and has extensive trading experience throughout Asia and Europe, where he currently resides in Greece.

Roland Acheampong

 Resident Director Canada

Roland Acheampong is an All-Canadian athlete, Executive Manager, Sales Director, and Entrepreneur. Roland’s Impressive and Expansive Career includes Executive Roles at IBM, Rogers Media, OMNI Television, CTV, TSN, and Warren Buffett’s Business Wire where he led the company as Country Manager. After attaining numerous Athletic Awards and Accolades at both Collegiate and International Levels at the University of Western Ontario, Roland built a Strong Reputation in High-Tech and Media Sales and led several Start-Up Companies —including “dot-com’-merce Grey Matter””, Communications Corporation Conexys, and a leading Health Company “T-Zone” to Global Expansion.

Roland is also a successful Entrepreneur, having Co-Founded an International Real Estate company.

Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Hinai

Resident Director Oman

Dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organizations. Utilize keen Analysis and insights and team approach to drive organizational improvements and implementation of best practices. Superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex (sales, human resources, legal, financial, operational) issues.

He has worked with:

British bank of the Middle East
Oman international Bank
Ministry of social development and labor (UAE)
Special economic zone authority of Duqm -(Oman)

He is also the special advisor to Ajman Sheikh.

Major General Pilot Ahmed Amer

Resident Director Egypt

Andrea Mitas

Resident Director Cyprus

Andrea holds a MSc as Electrical Engineer, N.C.F.E Marketing, PhD in Marketing and CEO of MITAS OIL & GAS, MITAS ELECTROMECHANICAL LTD (Electrical and Mechanical Installations), MITAS GENERATORS LTD (Generators Manufacture), and MITAS ENTERPRISES (Luxury Private Villas for Holiday Rental), besides of which he boasts a Decade of Experience in Oil & Gas Marketing.

Hugh Hall

Resident Director Bahrain

Hugh is based in Bahrain and responsible for Business Development within the Middle East for Oil & Gas Related Services and Product Trading. Prior to joining Budget Petroleum, he held key Positions in the Region such as being the General Manager for National  Petroleum Services in Middle East and is General Manager for our Cameroon Affiliation.

Monaj Eric Williams

Resident Director India

A multi dimentional and passionate enterpreneur who has worked across spectrums and countries. Though he completed his education in India & Bahrain, prides himself in being a street smart learner from “the classrooms of the real world”. Having worked across different countries and met people from various fields, he diversified to International trading in 2012 and went on to set up a company in Qatar viz., ConnectCorp Burzan LLP, which traded in Crude by-products. This company wound up operations in 2015.

Currently he is part of 3 different companies in UAE & Singapore called BricksBosh Trading LLP, Dubai (Partner), Budget Petroleum LLP, Dubai (Resident Director – India) and Tee Pee Petroleum PTE, Singapore (Director – Business Relations).

He now bases his operations out of CYPRUS (EU) and MUMBAI (INDIA) under his 2 companies: CONNECTCORP GLOBAL (EU) LTD. – CYPRUS and CONNECTCORP GLOBAL INC. – MUMBAI, INDIA. He is also an Associate Partner at: GRAVITAS LLP – LIBANON, BEIRUT / EXITO, KAZAN – RUSSIA – (Food Commodities & Agricultural Products) and PSARAS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD. – CYPRUS (EU) – (Real Estate Development).

Mr Williams’ biggest asset is strong liasioning capabilities and his ability to connect important people from similar fields from across the globe for mutual benefits.

Mal Esfandiarinia

Director South East Asia

Mal Esfandiarinia joins the Budget Petroleum Trading LLC Family with over 10 years’ experience in Business Development including over 5 years’ Experience in Commodities Trading Working predominantly with, Gold, Rough Diamonds and Oil & Gas Transactions.

Appreciated by Peers and seen as a strong and serious “Hands On” Team Player, adopting a fair and reasonable, balanced Practical Approach, committed to finding Solutions, extremely focused on Priorities, Results driven, plain speaking and compelling in putting the Company position forward, he is a very reliable person. Promoting Transparency and Inter-Communication within the Team, First-Rate Negotiator and practiced, resilient Dispute Resolution Manager. Overall he is a Proficient and Adept Leader of any Team with strong Contractual, Technical and Commercial Credentials, gained through years of Project Involvement implementing High Standards while maintaining focus on the Set Goals.

BUDGET PETROLEUM

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