Jim Kiser
Jim Kiser, Global CEO of capSpire, brings over 30 years of experience in building high-performing teams and organizations that tackle some of the world’s most complex energy and commodity challenges. With a distinguished career at industry-leading software and consulting firms such as SAP and Deloitte, Jim has honed a passion for guiding companies in establishing their brands, defining markets, and crafting strategies that drive global scale.
Jim is a firm believer in the power of relationships as the cornerstone of both successful business and fulfilling personal lives. He is dedicated to setting a clear vision and empowering individuals to reach their highest potential. His experience includes growing companies like SolArc and FuelQuest, as well as serving on the boards of nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity and the Women’s Energy Network.
Outside of his professional commitments, Jim is an avid father and outdoorsman, committed to fitness through activities such as running a ranch, skiing, running and embracing the outdoors.
Rich O’Keefe, Chief Revenue Officer, has been dedicated to clients, prospects, and customers for more than 35 years. With 30 years in the ETRM/CTRM space, Rich has experience running major sales organizations, partnerships, and regions, including APAC, Europe, and the Americas. He has worked with IBM, OpenLink, and DXC. Passionate about helping people grow in their careers, Rich views himself as a mentor and sounding board for advice and ideas. He helps customers solve complex problems and employees grow in their careers. Rich is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston and the University of Edinburgh MBA in Scotland. He has lived on four continents and enjoys traveling and skiing. You may find him volunteering at the local animal shelter when not at capSpire because, in addition to being a people person, Rich loves dogs.
Dale Emmerson, Managing Director, has 30 years of experience in global energy and commodity markets. Dale delivers step-change growth for clients, working across complex organizations to engage with senior stakeholders and deliver strategic and meaningful change. With expertise across the full deal life cycle, Dale has witnessed the evolution of the ETRM/CTRM sector and brings expertise across markets, technologies, and end-to-end business operations. Dale brings clarity of vision to complex problems for simplicity and clear communication. In his free time, Dale enjoys life drawing and painting, climbing mountains, and exploring new cities.
Nicole deBoer, Managing Director, brings over 23 years of expertise in the energy sector, including 17 years specializing in C/ETRM system support and implementations. As a practice lead, she oversees teams delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges in organizational design, business processes, controls, and IT strategy. As a certified facilitator, Nicole has led client workshops, professional development programs, and leadership training sessions. Nicole’s knowledge spans the commodity transaction lifecycle across power, natural gas, renewables, and agriculture. She is skilled in driving agility and efficiency in the evolving commodity and energy trading landscape through transformative system implementations and process design. She is passionate about developing the next generation of talented leaders and empowering professionals at all levels to elevate their performance. Nicole is also an Energy Risk Professional (ERP), certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and previously sat on the GARP Steering Committee in Calgary.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys reading biographies and history books, watching hockey and exploring nature through travel and hiking with her husband.
Gaurav Garg, Managing Partner, has been leading international teams in improving the quality and effectiveness of organizational trading and digital technology landscapes for more than 21 years. Gaurav has expertise across change management, complex project management, and organizational transformation, with a focus on domain and technology. With a deep understanding of client needs and expectations, and strong technical and communication skills, Gaurav develops and implements effective strategies to support customer satisfaction. Gaurav is proud to create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where capSpirians can develop and expand their capabilities to drive more value for customers. Outside of work, Gaurv enjoys building large-scale LEGO sets with his 2 sons, playing cricket, and cooking.
Arpan Gutgutia, Managing Director, has nearly two decades of experience in technology, implementation, and support services, with 18 years focused on ETRM. Arpan is passionate about creating impact by fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture where every team member has the tools and support to excel. Clients describe Arpan as a trusted, solutions-driven partner who understands their unique needs and goes above and beyond to help them succeed. Arpan’s strategic and pragmatic approach helps him solve complex challenges with creative, tailored solutions. Outside of capSpire, Arpan spends time with his children and enjoys badminton and pool. He also loves cooking for family and friends, but don’t expect him to follow a recipe.
Cathy Hughes, Managing Partner, North America, has dedicated 29 years to her career in professional services and operational leadership, focusing on collaboration and proactivity to set internal and client teams up for success. At capSpire, Cathy aims to build strong client and partner relationships to develop highly effective teams and attainable excellence. When she’s not at work, Cathy is cheering her kids on the basketball court, cooking for friends and family, and mastering the perfect margarita.
Larry Loocke, Partner, has dedicated 22 years to the oil and gas industry, focusing the last 15 years on ETRM. At capSpire, Larry specializes in system selection, project management, organizational change, and overall delivery for enterprise software projects. Larry is passionate about keeping at the forefront of the ever-evolving ETRM industry, staying current on vendors, their support solutions, and what markets they serve, so he can help clients make efficient, informed decisions. Larry also believes in recognizing his strong team and the value they deliver to clients. At home, Larry and his family care for a menagerie of animals on their ranch and enjoy theatre, sports, hunting, and fishing. Larry is sometimes spotted drinking coffee from his #1 Dad mug.
Ashley McNamara, CPA, Global Controller, has more than 20 years of experience in accounting, taking ownership of all accounting areas, including financial statements, treasury and cash management, and external reporting at capSpire. Ashley believes in empowering her team so that they feel their work has a significant impact on the organization. She also collaborates with all levels of employees to improve the quality and consistency of accounting inputs and outputs. When she’s not driving operating and accounting excellence at capSpire, Ashley is spending time with her family and cooking while exploring new global wines.
Robert Parker, Managing Partner, has over 25 years of experience in technology and ETRM/CTRM systems. Rob has a proven record of bringing capSpire and client delivery teams together in a collaborative partnership to successfully deliver projects. Having worked for public and private sectors in client engaging, vendor facing and client facing roles in demanding environments Rob understands what is expected from all stakeholders and works to ensure all parties are engaged and requirements understood.
With 17 years of Allegro functional and technical implementation experience across multiple commodities Rob has a unique knowledge of the Allegro platform and has delivered enterprise level solutions that solve complex business problems with over 60 clients located in over 15 countries across the EU, APAC and NA regions.. In his free time, Robert is passionate about technology, Formula 1, and fishing.
Rusty Robeson, Partner, has 16 years of experience in the ETRM space, often leading projects by seeing the bigger picture and ensuring all individual efforts form holistic business solutions. Rusty has deep knowledge of front office, lease, scheduling, and risk domains, with a focus on process optimization and automation. Non-linear thinking has allowed Rusty to quickly assess and understand problems faced in projects to bring swift, creative solutions. As a leader, Rusty trusts and empowers his team towards success. When not at work, Rusty sews bags using the industrial sewing machines in his basement. He also woodworks, fly fishes, camps, hikes, and backpacks.
Daysi Rodriguez, People Services Director, has specialized in human resources management and leadership, focusing on leadership, HR strategy, operations, and employee relations for more than 10 years. Daysi has held both technical and operational roles, focused on developing strategies that support organizational growth and employee satisfaction. Daysi is passionate about employee engagement within a supportive and inclusive environment and genuine people-centric leadership. She believes in being authentic in how she treats and communicates with employees. In her free time, Daysi is with her family taking road trips, playing board games, and watching movies.
Jaydeep Shah, Partner, has dedicated more than 23 years of service spanning diverse sectors of the energy industry. Jaydeep has oversight of our RightAngle and Digital practices in North America. Jaydeep is well versed in leading large transformational CTRM initiatives with tight budgets and delivering strong results. Jaydeep believes in leading by example and trusting the team. His deep industry/system knowledge along with ability to converse with top executives at summary level make him uniquely qualified. Combining this with an easy going personality means Jaydeep is able to foster long term relationships and loyalty among his clients and employees. In terms of education, Jaydeep holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Houston and an MBA in Finance & Energy from Rice University. Outside of work, Jaydeep enjoys reading mystery novels, watching football, practicing yoga & meditation and spending time with family and friends.