Mathios Rigas

Overview

Mathios Rigas is a Greek businessman and investor with a background in the energy industry. He is the Chief Executive Officer and a founding shareholder of Energean Oil & Gas, a leading independent, gas-focused exploration and production company. Under his leadership since 2007, Energean has expanded its oil and gas reserves from 1 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) to over 1 billion boe by 2024, and increased production from 1,000 barrels per day to approximately 150,000 boe per day. Energean has also secured a long-term, 20-year commercial position in Israel, underpinned by $20 billion in contracted gas sales, enhancing both energy security and market competition in the region. Additionally, Energean has committed to becoming a net-zero emitter by 2050, marking a significant step in the company's environmental responsibility. Prior to founding Energean, Mr. Rigas spent 18 years in investment banking and private equity investments in oil & gas, project finance, and shipping. Between 2001 and 2007, he was the Managing Partner of Capital Connect Venture Partners, a Greek private equity fund with investments in innovative enterprises across various sectors. From 1999 to 2001, he managed Piraeus Bank's Shipping Investment Banking division. Earlier, as Vice President of Energy & Project Finance at Chase Manhattan Bank in London (1993-1999), he arranged oil & gas financings exceeding $5 billion. His career began at Arthur Andersen in 1991 as a consultant in the energy sector. Mr. Rigas holds a Degree in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and an MSc/DIC in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College London. His leadership and contributions to the energy sector have been widely recognized, including being named 'Executive of the Year' at the Oil and Gas Council’s Awards of Excellence in 2018. Under his guidance, Energean has become a prominent player in the Eastern Mediterranean energy market, known for its strategic acquisitions and commitment to sustainable energy practices.