Gabriel "Kapo” Simonian (age 61) has worked for more than 30 years in the oil industry. After receiving his Bsc and Ph.D. in geology in the UK in 1975, he worked as a geologist in the Middle East, in Cyprus, Oman and Iran. Returning to the UK in the 1980's he established GAPS Geological Consultants Ltd, a well known London based company which employed 45 professionals. In 1993 GAPS was merged into Scott Pickford plc, a London Stock Exchange quoted geophysical consulting company, where he became a main board director until the sale of Scott Pickford plc, in early 1997, to Core Laboratories Inc.

While at Scott Pickford plc, Kapo mainly worked for, and was a Director of an affiliate Drake Resources Ltd., a junior oil company developing energy projects in Poland (gas production and power generation), and Ukraine (oil and gas exploration and production). During this period he attended the Corporate Finance course at the world famous London Business School.

In 1996 Kapo established Simco Petroleum (Management) Ltd, a boutique advisory company supporting oil and gas companies in A&D  activities ( license acquisitions, disposals, farm outs), as well as in their management of  their licenses, and developing their business generally.)

Since the establishment of Simco  Kapo has  run the company as Managing Director , whilst also  heading up the Simco teams handling the West Africa license management projects, and license   farm out and acquisition mandates. Kapo has often worked alongside Simco's clients in determining the deal structuring, negotiations and deal documentation.

Kapo has also supported a number of start up oil companies, advising them on their business strategy, financing options, and exit routes (IPO or trade sale).