Leadership Team
We recognize that people are our most important resource and we've worked hard to create a positive team environment built on mutual trust & respect.
Katja Akentieva
Managing Director, Arcis Seismic Solutions & North America Arctic
Katja is responsible for directing and managing the Arcis and North America Arctic business unit. Prior to her recent apppointment as Managing Director, Katja successfully led and grew the onshore multi-client business in Canada. Katja has more than 20 yeras of industry experience, including 12 years of international experience with Schlumberger, where she held various technical and sales positions. Katja has an MSc degree in Geophysics from Moscow State University, Russia, and an MBA from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Brad Torry
Director of Geosciences, TGS
As one of the founders of Arcis, Brad has been instrumental in the growth, longevity and image of Arcis in the geoscience and local communities in Calgary since 1996. Following the merger with TGS on June 14, 2012, Brad has worked with local Arcis leadership and the TGS leadership to integrate the two companies based on a best in class solution. As the former President and CEO , Mr. Torry has assembled a world class team whose services have been used around the globe. As of May 1, 2013, Mr. Torry has taken on a more global role within TGS as the Director of Geosciences for the Western Hemisphere. This role will continue to provide Geoscience support to Arcis while expanding the scope of the geoscience initiative to both onshore and offshore areas in North and South America. Brad remains a part of the Arcis team and culture, and will continue to be available as a trusted advisor to clients and peers in the Canadian market. For additional detailed bio information, please see the technology leadership page. Brad may be reached at either his Arcis (btorry@arcis.com) or TGS email addresses (brad.torry@tgs.com), and will transition to TGS’ Houston office with his family in the fall of 2013.
John Ropchan
Director Geophysical Operations, Arcis Seismic Solutions
John started his seismic journey as a surveyor over 30 years ago. Using his seismic operations experience and expertise, he leads the Geophysical Operations Department, ensuring operational excellence and quality in our products in the safest possible manner. John is actively involved in the industry and is also a board member with CAGC. John is the VP of Geophysical Operations with Arcis, managing Project Management, Multi-Client, and Proprietary Acquisition programs, as well as the Arcis QHSE systems and process.
Thane McKay
Director Imaging & Offshore Multi-Client Sales, Arcis Seismic Solutions
Thane McKay is responsible for the success of Arcis' business development. This includes the development and execution of sales strategies which support Arcis' goals and objectives. Thane has worked in the geophysical seismic processing industry for 30 plus years. He is known to hundreds of people in the North American geophysical industry and has a strong understanding of the needs and wants of most oil companies both domestically and internationally.
Back to Top
Graziella Kirtland Grech
Director Processing & Reservoir Services
Graziella has over 15 years of technical and managerial industry experience in Canada and overseas, including research and development, geophysical technical support, and leading multidisciplinary teams. At Arcis, Graziella directs the Processing and Reservoir group whilst working closely with the Technical Leadership Team to implement new technology and integrated solutions to help our clients leverage their data.
Mike Perz
Manager Technology, Arcis Seismic Solutions
Mike Perz joined the Arcis team on April 1st, 2010 and is involvedin the continued development of Arcis’ high-level proprietary geophysical software. As an active member of Arcis’ management team, Mike will also be involved in developing our people resources and in managing the growth and development of our global business. Mike received his B.Sc. in Physics from University of Toronto in 1990 and his M.Sc. in Geophysics from University of British Columbia in 1993. Mike’s career experience includes working as a Geophysical Applications Programmer and as Manager of Research and Development.
Mike Kary
Senior Manager, Data Marketing
Mike Kary manages the operations of Kary Data (an Arcis company). Mike joined Arcis through the acquisition of Kary Data Consultants Ltd. in 2004. He brings with him over 28 years of industry experience in the Geophysical Brokerage and Seismic Data Management business within Canada and the United States. He spent 3 years in the United States gaining industry knowledge and contacts within the seismic brokerage business and still utilizes a number of contacts to initiate cross border transactions for clients exploring within Canada and the United States.
Kevan Hanson
Vice President, Business Development, Eastern Hemisphere
Kevan has 28 years of experience in the seismic industry worldwide. His diverse experience ranges from oil companies to contractors to geophysical technical consulting, and he has worked in 34 countries, including establishing company offices in the Middle East and North Africa. Kevan's role at Arcis is generating and supporting new business initiatives in the Eastern Hemisphere, as well as supporting the needs of existing clients in the region.
Luis Lugo
Business Developer, Latin America
Luis has over 29 years of combined experience in acquisition, processing, and time/depth imaging of 2D/3D land and marine seismic data. Luis spent 11 years working as Senior Geophysicist and head of the Geophysical Data Processing Center at INTEVEP, the R&D branch of Venezuela’s national oil company, PDVSA, and has also served as Senior Geophysicist for other companies in South America, the UK and Canada. Luis is responsible for regional business development and representation in support of our South American activities, and will be leading our processing and reservoir services business in the region.
