Meet Our Leadership Team
at Oil & Energy Investor

Jonathan Perez brings a distinctive global perspective and deep financial expertise to OEI Investor as Senior Partner. Raised in Central America in a family with strong energy sector ties—his parents worked for ExxonMobil—Jonathan developed an early appreciation for international markets and cross-border business dynamics.

His educational foundation was built through elite private boarding schools in the United States, where he honed his analytical skills and leadership capabilities. Jonathan went on to earn his Finance degree from the University of Toronto, one of Canada's premier business programs, where he distinguished himself academically while building a robust understanding of capital markets and investment principles.

Jonathan's professional career spans prestigious financial institutions, beginning with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), where he gained comprehensive experience in traditional banking and wealth management. He subsequently advanced to DS Capital's Private Credit division, where he specialized in alternative investment strategies and developed expertise in structuring complex financial transactions for institutional clients.

This unique combination of international upbringing, world-class education, and diverse financial services experience positions Jonathan to identify compelling investment opportunities across multiple markets and asset classes. His multicultural background and bilingual capabilities enable him to navigate complex cross-border transactions while building lasting relationships with clients and partners worldwide.

At OEI Investor, Jonathan leverages his extensive network and deep market knowledge to drive strategic growth initiatives and deliver exceptional value for clients seeking sophisticated investment solutions.

Claire Lee brings a unique blend of legal acumen and capital markets expertise to OEI Investor as Associate Partner. Born and raised in Singapore, Claire developed a deep understanding of Asia-Pacific financial markets and cross-cultural business practices in one of the world's leading financial hubs.

Claire earned her degree from the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she built a strong foundation in both legal principles and financial markets. Following graduation, she initially pursued a career in law, working as a business attorney where she gained invaluable experience in corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, and complex transaction documentation.

Recognizing her passion for capital markets, Claire made a strategic transition back to finance, where her legal background provided a distinctive competitive advantage. Her ability to navigate regulatory frameworks while identifying investment opportunities has proven instrumental in structuring sophisticated financial transactions.

In her private consulting capacity, Claire has worked extensively with leading financial institutions including DBS Bank and Saffron Bank, specializing in private credit deal origination and execution. Her work spans multiple jurisdictions and asset classes, with particular expertise in structuring transactions that bridge traditional banking and alternative investment strategies.

Claire's multicultural perspective, combined with her dual expertise in law and finance, enables her to identify and mitigate risks while maximizing value creation opportunities. Her deep relationships within the Asian financial services sector and comprehensive understanding of regulatory environments make her an invaluable asset in executing complex cross-border transactions.

At OEI Investor, Claire focuses on private credit opportunities and leverages her extensive network to source and structure compelling investment solutions for institutional clients.

Chris Taft brings deep-rooted Canadian market expertise and an extensive network of high-net-worth relationships to OEI Investor as Associate Partner. A Toronto native, Chris embodies the collaborative spirit and strategic thinking that made him a standout hockey player in his youth—qualities that have proven invaluable throughout his finance career.

Chris earned his Business degree from York University's prestigious Schulich School of Business, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance and investment strategies. His academic foundation provided the analytical framework that would later distinguish his approach to private capital markets.

Following graduation, Chris established himself as a prominent figure on Bay Street, Toronto's financial district, where he specialized in private capital markets with a particular focus on family office investments. His career has been defined by building and maintaining long-term relationships with ultra-high-net-worth families and their investment vehicles, understanding their unique needs for discretion, customization, and generational wealth preservation.

Chris's expertise lies in identifying and structuring complex funding solutions for large-scale projects, leveraging his deep relationships within Canada's family office ecosystem. His ability to match sophisticated investors with compelling opportunities has resulted in successful capital deployment across multiple sectors and geographies.

The connections and resources Chris has cultivated throughout his Bay Street career provide OEI Investor with unparalleled access to patient capital and strategic partnerships. His reputation for integrity and results-driven approach has made him a trusted advisor to some of Canada's most influential families and their investment advisors.

At OEI Investor, Chris focuses on project funding initiatives and leverages his extensive network to source capital and create value for institutional and private clients seeking transformative investment opportunities.