NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Orion Energy Partners, L. P. (“Orion Energy Partners”), a private equity firm providing creative debt and preferred equity solutions to middle market energy infrastructure businesses, today announced the initial members of its newly formed Senior Advisory Board. Orion Energy Partners was formed by Nazar Massouh, Gerrit Nicholas and Rob Rusk and is actively pursuing credit and senior equity investments in the midstream, downstream, power and other energy subsectors.
“On behalf of all of us at Orion Energy Partners, we are thrilled to welcome energy industry business leaders Jim Bender, Don Lucey and Matt Valentine to our Senior Advisory Board,” said Nazar Massouh, CEO. “Our Senior Advisors bring additional industry expertise and intellectual capital to our firm, complement our team’s deep energy investment and operating experience, and further position Orion Energy Partners to execute our investment strategy across a variety of energy subsectors.”
James J. (“Jim”) Bender retired from WPX Energy, Inc. in 2014 after serving in various capacities including President and CEO. He also served as the Chairman of the Board at Apco Oil & Gas International Inc., an affiliate of WPX. Previously, Jim was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The Williams Companies, Inc., General Counsel of the general partner of Williams Partners L.P., and Senior Vice President and General Counsel of NRG Energy, Inc. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the general partner of Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. and Two Harbors Investment Corp.
Donald F. (“Don”) Lucey retired from PBF Energy Inc. in 2014 as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. He was previously a senior executive at Premcor Refining, Tosco, Phillips Petroleum and Phibro Energy. Don comes with nearly 40 years of experience in the domestic and international energy sector. He managed large commercial departments at both Premcor and PBF, and has broad experience in petroleum refining, energy logistics, risk and commercial matters.
Matthew C. (“Matt”) Valentine is Chief Financial Officer of Rimrock Midstream LLC and a member of its Board of Directors. He has extensive oil and gas gathering, processing, pipeline and storage development and operating experience, as well as mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and financing expertise. Previously, Matt founded private investment firm Millbrook Equity Partners and was a financial services executive with Raymond James and Merrill Lynch.
“We have been fortunate to enjoy longstanding relationships with our Senior Advisors, and we are deeply appreciative of their support. Their outstanding experience in the upstream, midstream, downstream, and power sectors adds great perspective to our firm, which is especially valuable given the unsettled energy and financial market conditions,” said Rob Rusk, Partner, who leads the Senior Advisory Board for Orion Energy Partners.
About Orion Energy Partners
Orion Energy Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing creative debt and preferred equity solutions to middle market energy infrastructure businesses across North America and select international markets in the midstream, downstream, conventional electric power, renewable energy and storage, asset-heavy energy services and upstream energy subsectors. Orion Energy Partners is committed to facilitating the long-term success and sustainability of the companies in which it invests. The firm’s differentiated strategy and approach is focused on establishing and building collaborative partnerships with management teams, owners and sponsors, and serving as a knowledgeable, trusted capital partner that can invest flexibly through a range of customized credit and preferred equity solutions. For additional information, visit: www.orionenergypartners.com.