Mr. De Castro is a proven architect of enterprise strategy, financial discipline, and large-scale transformation, from originating and executing M&A transactions to leading full-cycle integrations, digital transformation, and cultural change. He has a track record of transforming finance organizations from transactional cost centers into strategic engines that drive competitive advantage. He is known for building high-performing teams and navigating complex global stakeholder and regulated environments.

Mr. De Castro’s notable assignments include leading the post-merger integration of Aera Energy LLC and California Resources Corporation, overseeing full synergy capture, functional consolidation, and stakeholder alignment with private equity sponsors. He delivered $1.4 billion in net present value of synergy-related savings, fully offsetting the cost of the merger and achieving the target ahead of plan. His leadership enabled a successful private equity exit that exceeded the original investment return expectations.

Prior to joining A&M, Mr. De Castro served as a full-scope CFO with Aera Energy LLC. In this role, he had executive responsibility for finance, M&As, corporate strategy, corporate planning, tax, internal controls, internal audits, information technology, operational technology, supply chains, and energy management. He generated more than $1 billion in incremental free cash flow through operational efficiency improvements, production optimization, and enhanced commodity price capture. Further, Mr. De Castro designed and led a comprehensive transformation initiative that delivered step-change improvements in margins, capital efficiency, and unit costs through digital innovation and cultural change. 

Prior to his role at Aera Energy LLC, Mr. De Castro held positions at ExxonMobil Corporation of increasing responsibility. He provided senior corporate finance advisory services across the Americas and Asia–Pacific. 

Mr. De Castro earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Pontifical Javierian University, Bogotá, and an MBA from George Mason University, Virginia.