Our Mandate
ICON ESG’s immediate goal is to expand the Group through a carefully planned inorganic growth strategy. This includes identifying and acquiring high-value companies with synergistic capabilities as well as solid, stand-alone service providers that align with our growth objectives. Our growth approach emphasizes reasonable and sustainable rates of return, with a focus on scaling our service offerings for global market needs.
About our Team
James A. Walker
James A. Walker is the Founder and brings over 35+ years of drilling and relevant oil field services management experience to ICON. He has led numerous large rig operations and drilling teams worldwide, to include start-ups and has a track record as a proven leader with a returns-based approach to capital allocation. He has an unsurpassed safety record and brings a forward-thinking mandate with an extensive global connection to major oil and gas players and deal flow management. Mr. Walker is renowned for his commitment to delivering the highest quality of service to his Customers. He is an accomplished problem solver and has an immense appreciation for cost management and service quality .
Mr. Walker has held various senior management and executive positions such as President of Balakhani Oil Operating Company and Vice President – Global Drilling Services at Viking International and Director of Operations Tuscany Drilling. Mr. Walker studied economics and advanced course work at the University of Lethbridge. He is an active IADC member and former board member – Society Petroleum Engineers – Calgary Chapter.
Kirk Odland
Kirk Odland is a graduate of Montana Tech of the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering.
He’s a professional member of APEGA and a member of SPE. He has extensive Petroleum Engineering experience in reservoir, production, drilling, completions, facilities, evaluations, and field operations. Mr. Odland also has management experience serving as Operations Manager, Production Manager and Development Manager for various Independent and Major oil and gas companies.
He has worked across western Canada, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and North Africa.
Alex Cruder
Alex Cruder is a CFA Charterholder and seasoned finance professional with a track record spanning commercial lending, international finance, capital markets, and venture fundraising. He has worked with top institutions, including the Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and has successfully raised capital for both his own ventures and others.
Navigating seamlessly between banking and technology, Cruder has held senior leadership roles—including CEO—and was a founder of Curbie, a tech-driven automotive startup where he raised $14M and led the company into acquisition. He has built and scaled high-performing teams, both remotely and in-office. He has also worked as a fractional CFO, helping businesses sharpen their financial strategies and secure the capital they need to grow.
Jaime Zaporzan
Jaime Zaporzan is the Chief Investment Officer and ESG & Sustainability Lead at ICON. With a decade of experience in strategic product management and scaling startups across industries such as industrial IoT, biotech, and energy technology, Jaime brings a forward-thinking approach to optimizing investments and aligning them with sustainable growth initiatives.
As Chief Investment Officer, Jaime focuses on driving financial strategy, identifying high-yield opportunities, and ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders. In her dual role as ESG & Sustainability Lead, she champions environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, embedding sustainable practices into the company’s operations and investment decisions. Jaime is committed to leveraging her expertise in impact-driven innovation to position ICON as a leader in responsible and resilient energy solutions.
Donald Strub
Donald Straub has over 37 years of international experience working on land, shelf and deepwater with Operators, Service Companies, and Drilling Contractors in Drilling, Completions, Workover, and Intervention Operations in Abu Dhabi, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Singapore, Turkmenistan, USA, and Venezuela.
Donald has worked in various roles of responsibility in Engineering & Operations as Well Logging Engineer, Production Engineer, Completions Engineer, Senior Drilling Engineer, Drilling Operations Engineer, Drillsite Manager (DSM), Drilling Operations Advisor, Drilling & Completions Consultant, and Drilling Manager. Mr. Straub is experienced with land rigs, platform/TLP rigs, jackups and moored/dynamically positioned SemiSubs & Drillships.
Mr. Straub is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Masters and Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Mark Spiteri
Mark Spiteri is an Oil and Gas professional with 29 years of experience in QHSE Management working in Libya, Ethiopia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, Iraq, and Oman. Mr. Spiteri is a graduate of the University of Greenwich, London, and has a BSc (HONS) in OSHE. Mr. Spiteri is a certified lead auditor for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015.
Responsible for maintaining the QHSE Management System and ensuring that all stake holders comply with all regulatory requirements, Mark ensures that a good Health and Safety culture is adhered to in all operations.
Mr. Spiteri has held various senior management positions such as Global QHSE Director with Viking Services, QHSE Manager with Valiant Oman Oilfield Services and QHSE Manager with Global Geophysical Services.