GNEISS FINANCIAL INSIGHTS SUMMIT 2025
Jon Fitzpatrick​
Founder of Gneiss Energy
Jon Fitzpatrick brings over 25 years of experience in energy finance, investment banking, and corporate law. As Founder and Managing Director of Gneiss Energy, he advises on strategic transactions across the energy sector. Previously, he served as Senior Managing Director at Macquarie Group, leading Energy & Natural Resources for EMEA, and held senior roles at Cavendish and RBC Brewin Dolphin.
Jon has held board positions at Proteus, Scirocco Energy, and the Scottish Energy Forum, where he is Honorary Vice President. Earlier in his career, he practiced corporate law at Arthur Andersen and McClure Naismith. A graduate of the University of Dundee, Jon also contributes as an Honorary Research Fellow and mentor in energy leadership.
Pierre Asseo is a serial entrepreneur and investor with over 30 years of experience building and scaling businesses across Europe and Asia. As Founder & CEO of Trans Europe Express, he invests in and turns around companies, with active involvement in over 20 ventures spanning technology, private equity, and venture capital.
He is the Founder of Wabel, a global B2B platform connecting FMCG buyers and suppliers, and needl.co, an innovative online meeting scheduler for the FMCG industry. Previously, he co-founded Modelabs Group, a multimedia accessories company that went public on the Paris Stock Exchange, and Asian Business Bridge, facilitating foreign business expansion in China.
Pierre serves as a Board Member and Advisor to Zaion, Shareholder & Advisor to RealT and LightInDerm, and Trustee of Asia Society France, strengthening ties between Asia and Europe.
Pierre Asseo​
Repeat Tech Entrepreneur and CEO of Trans Europe Express
Massimiliano Battisti
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Global Head of TMT
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Massimiliano Battisti brings nearly 30 years of banking experience, specializing in financial advisory and project financing. Since joining Société Générale in 2005, he has led the infrastructure team in New York City, covering the Americas. Previously, he managed the Italian project finance desk, successfully closing key infrastructure, energy, and digital infrastructure financings. Before Société Générale, Massimiliano worked at Babcock & Brown, an Australian equity infrastructure fund, where he
engaged in advisory and equity mandates in the energy sector. He began his career in the project and export credit team of Mediocredito Centrale. Massimiliano graduated cum laude in Economics from the University of Rome.
Merve Pekdemir is an FX Sales Associate at Société Générale in London, a position she has held for over three years. Prior to this role, she worked as a Private Banking Operations Analyst in New York. Merve earned her degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Rutgers University, New Jersey.
Merve Pekdemir​​
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AFX Sales Associate​
Drew Acquaye
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Associate
Drew Acquaye has been an Associate at Morgan Stanley in New York for over two years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University at Buffalo School of Management. Drew is passionate about leveraging financial strategies to drive business growth and has a keen interest in investment management and corporate finance.
Tony Hooks serves as an Equity Research Associate at Fidelity Investments, a role he has undertaken for over two years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Bates College. Tony is dedicated to providing in-depth equity analysis and has a strong interest in market trends and investment strategies.
Tony Hooks
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Equity Research Associate
Robert Cockburn
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Legal Director
Robert Cockburn is a Legal Director at DLA Piper, specializing in the financing of energy and infrastructure projects within the firm’s Finance, Projects, and Restructuring team. With over 13 years at DLA Piper, he has advised on complex multi-jurisdictional transactions, including a secondment to the Oslo office focusing on energy finance.
Prior to his legal career, Robert served as a Battle Group Air Operations Officer in the British Army (Helmand Province, Afghanistan), where he coordinated helicopter support for combat operations. He also held a managerial role at Marks & Spencer, overseeing high-revenue retail departments.
Robert combines military discipline, commercial acumen, and legal expertise to deliver strategic solutions in project finance.
John Teasdale is a Consultant in M&A at Deloitte Montreal, where he has advised on transactions since 2021. Previously, he co-founded WheRu (2018-2019) and gained diverse experience through internships in project management (Agropur), industrial engineering (VIA Rail Canada), and consulting (CCGP Polytechnique).
As finance team member for Poly-Monde 2021, he helped organize an international business mission to Singapore and Taiwan. John holds a degree from Polytechnique Montréal and combines analytical skills with entrepreneurial experience in his financial consulting practice.
John Teasdale​​
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M&A Associate
Ronald (Elikem) Logan​​
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Cataloguer
Ronald Logan is a former Cataloguer and Department Assistant at Sotheby's London (2022-2025), where he contributed to art authentication, research, and exhibition coordination. A multidisciplinary professional, he co-founded BPM Music Collective, producing 100+ events for 20,000+ guests while demonstrating expertise in project management, budgeting, and creative direction. Ronald holds a degree from the University of St Andrews, combining his passion for arts, events, and cultural research with strong analytical and leadership capabilities.
Matthew de la Rey is an Analyst at Bank of America in London, where he has worked since 2024. Previously, he demonstrated strong leadership as President of the University of St Andrews Management Society, overseeing all society operations after serving as Vice President (2021-2023). Matthew holds a degree from the University of St Andrews and combines financial acumen with proven leadership in large-scale event management and student organizations.
Matthew de la Rey​​
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Analyst