PhD in Economics, University of London. Economist with a profound interest in energy issues. Formerly: taught energy and development courses, University of Los Andes; with BP Colombia and Venezuela; taught at the University of London. 2000, Deputy Minister of Economic Planning, involved in regulation and energy policy. 2010, Deputy Minister of Energy; 2014, Minister of Mines and Energy. Board member of various energy companies and government institutions. Combines passion for energy issues with a keen interest in public opinion, having conducted research both for political campaigns and in policy issues.