About us
20 years contributing to the sustainable development of the hydrocarbon industry in Venezuela
About us
Our principles and values
- Efficiency
- Sustainability
- Corporate and social responsibility
- National capabilities and professional development
Mission
Strengthen the dialogue and cooperation between the private business sector with the State and civil society regarding the sustainable development of the hydrocarbon industry in Venezuela.
Vision
A solid and respected institution for its contribution to the sustainable and transparent development of the hydrocarbon industry.
Know about our history
Explore the history of our company and learn about the milestones that have made us what we are today.
Our services
Services
Coordination
Coordination for the preparation of strategic plans and action programs that address needs and interests in the hydrocarbon sector.
Elaboration
Preparation of economic, technical, legal and statistical studies according to common interests and positions, and bringing consensus proposals to the respective authorities.
Diffusion
Systematically Inform and present AVHI members’ contributions to the economic and social development of the country.
Strategic Analysis
Study and preparation of environmental analysis and communication strategies with interest groups: Institutional messages and audience maps.
Our members
Members
Our team
Estructura Organizativa
AVHI Executive Team
To carry out the institution’s activities, the Executive President, with AVHI’s team, proposes and executes action plans that meet the needs and requirements of its members within the framework of the hydrocarbon business’s sustainability.
AVHI Executive President
Cristina Tovar Leopardi
Email: [email protected]
A corporate and tax lawyer in the private sector, Ms. Tovar has over 35 years of experience in tax consulting, corporate strategic planning, administrative and judicial procedures in tax matters, foreign investments, exchange regulations, corporate law, with main clients related to the automotive sector, industrial production, services and the aeronautical sector, and the hydrocarbon sector.
She graduated (JD) from the Andrés Bello Catholic University in 1988. She studied a Specialization in Tax Law at the Central University of Venezuela (1991); a Master’s degree (LLM) from Boston University in International Banking Law and Financial Services Regulations (1994), and obtained a Master of Public Policy and Administration and International Taxes (ITP/MPA) from Harvard University (John. F. Kennedy School of Law and School of Government (1997). Ms. Tovar was awarded the Lucius Littauer Award from Harvard University (KSG) and was a Fundayacucho scholarship recipient.
Completed the Hydrocarbon and Natural Gas Management Programs at IESA, and the Diploma in ‘International Tax Law and Negotiation of Double Taxation Agreements’ at UCAB.
As part of experience in public policy consultancy, Ms. Tovar worked on consulting projects with Harvard Institute for International Development (HIID), in Income Tax, VAT, Tax on Fixed Assets, Specific Tax on Alcohol and reform and restructuring of Tax and Customs Administrations (in Mexico, Indonesia, Sri -Lanka, Kenya, Zambia and Puerto Rico).
Linkedin: Cristina Tovar
Secretary of the Steering Committee
Gabriel Wilkinson
Email: [email protected]
Geophysical Engineer, graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela (2024).
Magister Scientiarum thesis candidate in Petroleum Economics and Management at Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV).
Boasting a distinguished record of leadership within professional petroleum geoscience organizations, he served on the Board of Directors of the Venezuelan Society of Geophysical Engineers (2020–2022) and held executive roles within the American Association of Petroleum Geologists for the Latin America and Caribbean Region (2020–2023). In 2026, he became a member of the Venezuelan Hydrocarbons Association, where he presently serves as Secretary of the Steering Committee.
His research endeavors have primarily focused on: regional surface and subsurface structural characterization utilizing potential field geophysical methods; the application of shallow geophysical prospecting techniques for soil assessment, geoarchaeology, and hydrogeology; econometric modeling and long-term oil and gas production forecasting; integrated reservoir studies aimed at prospect definition and the geological probability of success; and the evaluation of global oil supply dynamics and policies.
Linkedn: Gabriel Wilkinson
AVHI Steering Committee
It comprises a senior manager from each company who acts as Director within this Steering Committee.
Annual elections are held at the General Assembly to elect the President (Chairperson) and two Vice Presidents (Vice-Chairpersons) of the Steering Committee.
Chairperson
First Vice-Chairperson
Second Vice-Chairperson
Directors