Robert Endres is a pioneer in the field of financial risk management of petrochemicals, polymers and plastics. Prior to founding Synaptic Decisions, Mr. Endres was President and CEO of Shell Chemical Risk Management Company for 6 years. He built the business into a global market maker and risk management consultancy, helping refiners, chemical buyers and suppliers structure contracts, optimize production assets, evaluate investment opportunities and manage financial risks. His experience in contract structuring spans sales, procurement, alliance, franchise, real estate, joint ventures and engineering and construction agreements. He has been a speaker at industry conferences on risk management, most recently a key note speaker at the Quest Offshore Risk Forum for Marine Construction in Amsterdam, 2004. Previously, as Global Marketing Director for Shell Chemicals� Coatings Division, Mr. Endres formed, launched, and headed Shell�s first international Coatings Marketing Unit. As one of the 15 members of Business Transformation Team at Shell Oil, Mr. Endres assisted in the development of a new Business Model for Shell. He led the team�s business and marketing strategy practice, the most requested of the group�s several offerings to Shell�s internal businesses. Mr. Endres also held head office assignments in Product Economics and Corporate Planning. Prior to joining Shell, he was an investment banker with Chase Manhattan Bank, Mining and Minerals Division, NY and, prior to that, an exploration and production geophysicist with Mobil Oil. Mr. Endres received his MBA in Finance from University of Chicago and his Masters Degree in Geophysics from Columbia University.