At Novum Energy Trading Corp. efficiency and agility are the forerunners in our way of work and that is a direct result of our simplified corporate structure. As we continue to grow, we are in the process of expanding our Leadership Committee, ensuring that important decisions are taken by qualified teams of experts.
The founding members of the Novum Group collectively represent over 80 years of industry experience and hail from Oil Supermajors, National Oil Companies and Tier 1 commodity trading firms.

Alfredo Vilas
President and Chief Executive OfficerAlfredo founded the Novum Energy Trading Corp. in 2011, and quickly established the company as a reliable supplier of oil products to underdeveloped countries in the Caribbean, with 25+ years of experience as originator and trader of refined oil products in Latin America. Prior to starting Novum, Alfredo held senior positions in global refining and trading companies.

Maximiliano Poveda
Director and Co-OwnerJoining Novum in 2011 as the Director and Co-owner with 20+ years of experience in the oil trading business, Maximiliano's career began at Interpetrol SA, Buenos Aires, handling vessel logistics which then moved to Trafigura, in London, in 1995. In 2007 he became the Head Trader for Trafigura’s LPG business worldwide.

Christopher Scott
Chief Financial OfficerChris joined Novum in 2012 as the Chief Financial Officer with 10+ years of banking experience, and 20+ years in the oil trading business. Christopher has worked at Trafigura and Mabanaft before joining Novum and his extensive relationships in the banking and insurance industries have aided Novum’s growth by ensuring risk mitigants are in place at all levels of the supply chain and, most notably, enabling the group to offer our customers tailor made financial structures to enhance the business.

Ismael Hernandez
Chief Operating OfficerIsmael joined Novum in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer, with 25+ years of experience in the energy industry. Ismael has previously served as president of PMI and Sierra Pipeline, as well as global executive roles at Buckeye Partners, with expertise ranging from Trading and Refining to Midstream and M&A. He has also served as Board director of various for and non-profit entities.

Mike Winstone
Director of Crude and Fuel OilMike joined Novum in 2020 with over 30 years of trading experience. Specializing in fuel oil and feedstocks, he has actively participated in Asia, European and American markets during his time at Cargill, Koch, Vitol, Macquarie, and Freepoint. He brings a detailed analytical approach and broad physical knowledge across crude and products.

Lina Chambers
General CounselLina has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She serves as General Counsel of Novum Energy Trading Inc. Lina began her career as a Research Analyst in South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (then the EPB), learned the trading business on the energy derivatives trading desks of Phibro and of Goldman Sachs’s J. Aron and held leadership roles in commodities structuring, finance, and risk management. In addition, she has been a law firm partner and headed up regional legal and compliance functions for Lukoil International and, most recently, SINOPEC’s UNIPEC trading arm in the Americas. Lina holds a BA in Chinese and Russian from Leeds University, a postgraduate diploma from Fudan University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a JD from the University of Houston.

Fernando Vulcano
Director of Origination, Latin AmericaFernando is a seasoned energy industry professional with over 25 years of experience in origination, business development, and trading of crude oil and derivatives in Latin America. He joined Novum in 2015 and has worked at Sempra Energy Trading, JP Morgan, and Freepoint Commodities. Fernando is an expert in origination of businesses, logistics, specializing in optimizing supply chains and streamlining operational processes. His extensive expertise in Latin America has allowed him to navigate the complexities of the market and build strong relationships with clients and partners and has made him a valuable asset to Novum.